Previous Reference:  Minute 27 (2016/17)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place, (Document “K”) provides a description of the current management of waste and gives an update on the work programmes undertaken in 2017 and those planned for 2018 to improve the management of waste to more sustainable levels in line with the Waste Strategy (Municipal Waste Minimisation and Management Strategy 2015).

Members are requested to consider the information presented in Document “K” and request that a further progress report be presented in twelve month’s time.

(Richard Longcake – 01274 432855)

Previous Reference:  Minute 27 (2016/17)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place, (Document “K”) provided a description of the current management of waste and gave an update on the work programmes undertaken in 2017 and those planned for 2018 to improve the management of waste to more sustainable levels in line with the Waste Strategy (Municipal Waste Minimisation and Management Strategy 2015).

Members were united in their praise for the work of the team which had dealt with the roll out of the alternate weekly bin collection system, agreeing that any issues reported had been dealt with promptly and efficiently.

A Member queried whether residents were now putting the correct items in their different waste bins and was informed that this had now improved and that residents were much more informed about what waste needed to go in which bin. Members were also advised about the way in which advisors targeted areas where a specific problem was noted and how residents were supported if their local arrangements had changed substantially.

In response to a question regarding whether all homes now had recycling bins, it was confirmed that the number of recycling bins distributed was now very close to the number of residual bins in operation.

Officers also confirmed that, if a person had a medical complaint which meant that more waste than usual needed to be put in the residual waste bin, they could be provided with a larger bin which would resolve what could be a difficult or sensitive issue for an individual. They agreed with Member concerns that the correct advice should be communicated to Home Care Teams to pass on to their clients and stressed that they contacted such teams whenever they became aware of an issue.

A Member queried whether the term “alternate weekly collection” could be confusing, especially for residents whose home language was not English. He was advised that it most accurately reflected the service provided as a collection was made from each address weekly, with recycling and residual waste being collected alternately.

The Assistant Director, Waste, Fleet and Transport stated that he was very grateful for the thanks expressed to his team and that he would like to thank Members for their positive engagement with the roll out of the new collection system.

The Chair requested, on behalf of the Committee, that a visit to the materials recycling facility be organised. A Member also suggested that video clips showing frontline services such as this be provided so that a positive message could be passed on to residents. He stressed how sickened he was by reports of refuse collection crews being abused as they attempted to do their job.

In response to a question, it was confirmed that, if a bin was slightly overfull and the lid was raised a little, it would still be collected. However, if there was so much additional waste in a bin that the lid had to be completely opened out ,the crews were trained to remove the excess, empty the bin, then replace the excess in that bin.

It was also confirmed that the green waste collection fee was both covering its own costs and helping with other costs within the service.

A Member queried whether in cab technology was being correctly used and was advised that crews were well trained in its use and that the technology had recently been upgraded so that the contact centre had access to real time feedback.

In response to a question about collections from apartment blocks when it was apparent that a regular system had not worked well, Members were advised that it was  possible to request that a note be recorded on the system to alert crews to deal with such issues.

Resolved –

(1)  That officers be thanked for their hard work in achieving a successful roll out of the new waste collection system and the consequent reduction in residual waste treatment.

(2)  That  a progress report be presented in twelve months time.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place