The Committee is asked to consider Document “O” which provides a summary on the performance of Waste Services for the year 2016-17.

Recommended –

That the Committee acknowledge the report on the performance of Waste Services in 2016/17 and continue to support Waste Services in their efforts to improve the management of the Local Authority Collected Waste and the services provided to the public.

(Richard Longcake – 01274 432855)

The Committee was asked to consider Document “O” which provided a summary on the performance of Waste Services for the year 2016-17.

The report revealed that despite continued growth in the number of households the upward tend in waste arising since 2013 had been halted.  That reduction had been predicted in the previous report and was as a result of policy changes (e.g.the Bin Policy).

It was emphasised that the report did not include any of the benefits arising from alternate weekly (fortnightly) collections, which would feed into 2017/18.  The report was welcomed and Members looked forward to witnessing the impact of the huge changes in levels of residual waste and recycling which would be evidenced in future reports.

Members questioned measures being taken to address littering and were advised that this was dealt with by the Neighbourhood Service.  Environmental Enforcement Officers, working closely with the Neighbourhood Wardens, issued Fixed Penalty Notices to the perpetrators.  The Portfolio Holder reported measures being undertaken to influence behaviour through enforcement and education including measures to persuade people to report offenders.  It was explained that legislation was coming into force which would result in vehicle owners being responsible for the litter which passengers threw from their vehicles.

A Member reported initiatives which she had undertaken in her Ward to encourage businesses and fast food outlets to collect the litter emanating from their premises.  It was acknowledged that the Environmental Enforcement Officers had also been influential in encouraging residents and businesses to accept their social responsibility.  It was suggested that residents and schools which had become involved be credited for the work they had undertaken.  It was noted that the local press was highlighting the unacceptable actions of perpetrators and Council successes against such people and this was to be welcomed. 

The reduction in garden waste collections was discussed and it was questioned if that had resulted in more garden waste being deposited as household waste.  In response Members were advised that there was no evidence that this was occurring and it had been evidenced that people no longer paying for their garden waste collections were using the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) to deposit their garden waste.  Officers confirmed that garden waste, either collected at the kerbside or deposited at HWRCs, was all composted.  It was also pointed out that the weather impacted on the amount of garden waste produced in any single year, which made comparing quantities of one year with another difficult. 

The increases in waste to energy and reduction in waste to landfill were commended and officers were thanked for arranging the Members’ visit to the Materials Recycling Facility which had taken place prior to the meeting.

Resolved –

(1)  That the report on the performance of Waste Services in 2016/17 be welcomed and support to Waste Services in their efforts to improve the management of the Local Authority Collected Waste and the services provided to the public be continued.

(2)  That the Strategic Director, Place, be requested to provide a progress report in 12 months time.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place