Agenda item

Purpose:

This report seeks to update members on savings, reduction in costs and potential for

increased income generation as a result of changes to the types of bag we use to collect recycling.

Key Issues:

The key issues are for the Select Committee to undertake pre-decision scrutiny ahead of recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Operations to

1. Approve the move to reusable bags for dry recycling to improve the quality of recyclate achieve savings and maximise income generation; and

2. Approve the use of recycled plastic bags for food waste collections to improve the quantity of food waste being reprocessed and achieve savings in support of budget pressures.

Member Scrutiny:

The Head of Waste and Street Scene introduced the report and provided a presentation.  Following the presentation, Members were invited to ask questions and to comment on recycling collection:

1.    A Member questioned why the lead authority of the 3-county arrangement has not attended a Strong Communities Select Committee meeting.  An offer of a presentation from the Chief Officer Enterprise and Officers from Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council on Joint Waste Procurement at a future meeting made by the Chief Officer Enterprise was made and accepted.

2.    The Chair asked for information about the changes to the recycling market in recent years since the introduction of the cellulose bags.  It was responded that the recent recycling review highlights that contaminated recyclate will be less desirable to the market.

3.    A Glass trial has taken place over a wide area in the County where glass is collected separately and returned to Cwmbran to be recycled which will save costs.   Outside of the trial area, glass is collected in the purple bags, split sorted and returned for recycling.

4.    In response to a question it was explained that the existing bags would remain in circulation until approximately May 2019.

5.    A Member questioned the suitability of the proposed larger capacity bags for elderly and infirm residents. The Select Committee was informed that smaller bags can be provided as necessary and there is also an assisted service available.  Residents that need help to recycle will be supported as necessary. A reference will be added to the Wellbeing of Future Generations Assessment.

6.    A question was asked residents in flats and replied that communal bin collection points would be made available where separate recyclate will be deposited.  Non-compliance will be dealt with by education first then through enforcement action being taken.

7.    A Member queried if the views of staff have been taken into account and it was explained that some staff are in favour of the new bags, others are concerned about the longer rounds.  Training has been undertaken including customer care. 

8.    It was confirmed that the number of bags for collection will be limited because one bag will be delivered.  There is flexibility for e.g. larger families.  It was confirmed that abuse of the current bags is common, with evidence of them being used for many purposes.

9.    It was observed that increasing the size of the bag will reduce the number of bags to be collected by the teams, and could contribute to a shortened round.  Regarding abuse of the bags, it was explained that procurement options include a bag with a pocket included for the resident to add their name and address or a design that can be directly written on with a permanent marker.

10.  A Member asked about arrangements for the provision of a replacement or second bag and it was confirmed that there are no plans at present to make a charge.  The cost of a replacement bag every three years has been accounted for. 

11.  A Member asked questions about the bags and was satisfied that 2 smaller bags can be provided if there is an issue with size and weight of the bags.   Assisted collections are available to help those who need this service.  Regarding odour, it was explained that bags can be washed to reduce residual odours; bags should be stored outside.   In terms of recycling, it was explained that during the pilot scheme, there was no reduction in the amount of recycling. It was acknowledged that experience in other authorities has shown that use of a single bag can cause increased litter and this is a point to be addressed.

Members were invited to ask questions and comment on food recycling:

1.    Members were generally happy with the proposal.

2.    A Member questioned why plastic bags have to be used as the Council is committed to reduce single use of plastic.  It was clarified that reasons include that they are suitable for fluids, the crews prefer not to collect loose material and there is evidence that where bags are provided, there is increased yield though better participation.   There is also a 5% reduction in costs through using the Anaerobic Digestion (AD) process.  The ability to use other bags should see a reduction in the amount of bags supplied.  It was agreed that education is key.

3.    A Member was opposed to using plastic bags, stating that their use should be discouraged to assist a reduction in the numbers produced by the industry.  It was explained that any bags processed by AD will contribute to Energy from Waste.  It was explained that any plastic bags purchased would have a high recycled content. 

4.    A Member stated that the starch bags are only suitable for composting not AD and encouraged residents to reuse other plastic bags e.g. bread and potato bags for food waste. 

5.    In response to a question, it was explained that dog waste bags are only provided as part of “Give Dog Fouling the Red Card” enforcement via Community Councils.

6.    It was explained that the number of plastic bags to be purchased is under consideration but that any excess can be stored and used as per demand over many years unlike the starch bags that decompose after 3 months.