Agenda item

Context:

To update members of the Select Committee on the progress towards the establishment of a Re-use shop at Llanfoist HWRC and the proposed operational management model.

Key Issues:

3.1 Waste and Street Services carry out bi-annual satisfaction surveys of waste services and consult with residents on areas they would like to see improvements.

3.2 A specific resident’s survey* was undertaken at Llanfoist HWRC in 2015.

98% of residents interviewed believed that a re-use shop was a good idea.

90% said that they had seen items in the skips that could have been re-used.

96% of residents said they would have items to donate to a re-use shop.

78% said they would occasionally buy items from a re-use shop. (*50 interviewed)

A successful re-use shop will establish the idea that HWRCs are no longer tips and dumps but places where re-use and recycling are the primary focus.

With procurement underway for the Transfer Stations and HWRCs, an onsite Re-use shop will be an additional and complimentary facility that can be achieved in tandem with the new contract.

Re-use shops on HWRCs are well established throughout the UK and the scale of operation and structure varies dramatically. Some shops are operated directly by the same council or contractors that manage the HWRC sites, whilst others are operated by SMEs, charities and community organisations.

Regardless of operational structure, they all have a common goal which is to turn waste into a valuable resource. Preventing good re-usable items from being disposed of. Returning items back into the economy - to be used again. Re-use shops can create new wealth and are a very tangible element of the circular economy. With a collaborative approach, they can be innovative and supporting of a diverse community, providing paid and volunteer career opportunities.

Appendix 1 describes in greater detail some of the operating models both locally and nationally and the proposed management structure for consideration.

Member Scrutiny:

Members applauded the scheme and appreciated the service offered but asked if there was any profit being made for Monmouthshire County Council.

In respect of resources, a Member asked about the Environmental Sustainable Development Grant, we were told that it is currently used to fund recycling and special projects including dog fouling and the reuse shop.

A Member welcomed the scheme and despaired of perfectly good items currently being thrown away.

In regard to publicising the scheme Members recommended Officers used all means at their disposal to ensure its success.

The Homemakers criteria was questioned as it was felt that their current criteria was not open enough to those in need. We were advised that the reuse shop would be completely separate to Homemakers current work.

Members asked if a delivery/collection scheme would be available to residents who cannot drive.

A Member spoke of a post war year when people were more reluctant to throw things away, it was felt there has been a change of culture and today’s throwaway society was much too wasteful.

It was asked if we were in a position to sell items which required PAT testing and were advised at this time there are no plans to reuse electrical items.

A local Member for Caldicot suggested using one of the empty shops in Caldicot town centre to run a pop up shop selling reused items with Caldicot Town Team support.

The Members pointed out that it was essential that Viridor staff working at the recycling centres were trained in approaching residents for items for the shops and that there is a clear procedure in place for staff to follow.

A Member spoke of residents support for this scheme and hoped that the residents of Monmouthshire will use it.

A point was made by a Member that it is not necessarily about profit, but ensuring items are used again and not taken to landfill.

A Members spoke of a visit made to a landfill site which shocked her with the sheer volume of waste of items which could be reused.

It was felt that people facing hardship and those on low incomes would be able to benefit form the items on sell in the shop.