Agenda item

Council were presented with a report outlining the final proposals for recycling collections in order to seek Council approval for the future configuration of the kerbside recycling service 2018-2025.

During debate we noted the following:

A Member questioned the weekly collection of brown bags, suggesting that fortnightly collections during winter months be appropriate.  In response we were advised that there was no proposal to change, but this could be considered as a recommendation from Council.

A Member referred to the future proofing of the service, in terms of the legislative underpinning derived from the EU, and questioned the effects following Brexit.  Council were advised that the European legislation gives a minimum for which member states must adopt. The Welsh Government position exceeds the European regulations, and feedback from officials, and the minister, is that they intend to carry on with the current agenda, and will not be affected by Brexit.

In response to concerns that fortnightly collections would result in recyclable waste being put into black bags, officers explained that extra recycling boxes would be provided on request.

It was reiterated that a service should be provided at the refuse transfer station for red and purple waste bags.  Council heard that that service had been withdrawn as the service had been massively abused, and analysis showed that 70% to 80% of bags were full of black bag waste.  There had been some instances where residents had been abusive and physically threatening to staff at Viridor.  Should the trial take place again, it would be on the basis that it could be withdrawn.

A Member referred to the collection of yellow ‘tiger’ bags and questioned if the process could be modified.  It was explained that the service had moved to a fortnightly collection at a saving of £100,000, and there were currently no plans to change.  Accepted advice from HSE confirmed it is completely safe to continue with a fortnightly collection.  Councillor Easson disputed that this was hygienically acceptable, particularly where residents live in cramped accommodation, and questioned if officers could look at individual instances where problem situations could be resolved urgently.  This was confirmed.

In response to concerns around the potential increase in fly tipping, the Head of Waste and Street Services reassured Council that there are crews available to collect fly tipping when reported, and an increase was not anticipated.

A Member questioned if we were behind other authorities in terms of adopting these changes, the Head of Waste and Street Services explained that we were not adopting the standard kerbside sort system, and have gone for a variation considered by Welsh Government to be a satisfactory middle ground.

A Member acknowledged that this report has been through the scrutiny process and was pleased to hear that the spend on grey bags was put on hold and being reviewed.

There were concerns regarding the consultation process and Council heard that 6500 residents had been trialled, qualitative and quantitative data had been collected.  A sample drop of 1000 questionnaires had seen 410 responses, being a 40% response rate.

A Member requested reassurance that residents living in inaccessible areas would not be disadvantaged as a result of the change.  Members were assured that officers provide the best service possible, where properties were up a long drive, or private road residents would be expected to bring waste to a collection point, as with the current status.  During the trial, bins had been provided in communal areas of flats which had been successful. 

Upon being put to the vote Council resolved to agree the recommendations in the report:

That Council approves:

·         That the principles of the existing recycling service (red and purple bags collected weekly) be maintained.

·         That glass be collected fortnightly in a separate container (green box)

                      i.        Where residents raise concern over ability to carry a box the service will offer a green caddy (similar to the outside food waste caddy) and be given further assistance if needed.

·         Food and green waste will be collected separately as previously approved.

·         That changes are introduced between April – July 2018.

·         That revenue savings generated from the service change cover the cost of prudential borrowing to allow capital expenditure e.g. changes to the Transfer Stations, purchase of boxes etc subject to a further report to full council regarding the capital investment required.

·         The overall service design so that the procurement process for the new fleet and design and construction of the Transfer Stations can begin.

·         Delegate approval for decision making to the Head of Waste & Street Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member & S151 Officer on any technical details, subject to changes remaining within the existing funding envelope of the service.

·         That Select Committee and Council receive a report on implementation of the service changes after July 2018 quantifying the full benefits and cost incurred, and modelled cost of the service for its proposed 7 year life.

·         That grey bags for the collection of residual waste be reviewed with a view to determining whether it would be beneficial to invest in more waste education and awareness than infrastructure to increase recycling and report to Cabinet via Select in Autumn 2017.