Issue - meetings

The Committee heard from the Assistant Director for Commercial and Operational Services regarding the recommendation from the Prosperous Communities Committee for the review of bulky waste charges. It was explained that at the meeting of the Prosperous Communities Committee on 2 November 2021, Members considered the charging regime for the bulky waste service having previously commissioned officers to look at whether changing the charging regime for bulky waste would help reduce levels of fly tipping.

The report considered why a charge was introduced a number of years ago, including the introduction of a user pays ethos and supporting local charities, with these reasons remaining valid when considering whether to reintroduce free or subsidised collections. It was suggested that, of greater relevance, was the negative environmental impacts including the additional fleet required and mileage travelled but also a reduction in reuse and recycling within the district.

The paper looked at the local and national context, with the majority of authorities charging for the service and most locally charging approximately the same as West Lindsey District Council. The exception was the City of Lincoln, where collections were free for pensioners, those entitled to benefit payments and those people with disabilities. No one outside of those groups could arrange a bulky waste collection, either free or paid.

Members heard that the report also highlighted levels of flytipping, particularly the dramatic rise last year, which had been in line with national trends. Further information was provided in a 2019 BBC report which found no link between flytipping and charging for waste services. There was also case study evidence in which one authority reverted to free bulky waste collections but did not benefit from a reduction in flytipping.

Options considered within the paper included introducing a free service, reducing the charge, introducing a ‘buy one collection, get one free’ schedule or, continuing with the current charge. Members heard that, having considered the benefits or otherwise of all four options, the Prosperous Communities Committee had resolved to recommend to this Committee that the Council should continue with the current charge of £33 for six points plus an inflationary rise for the financial year 2022/23.

The Chairman thanked the Assistant Director for his report and suggested there may be the opportunity to work with the City of Lincoln for the provision of bulky waste collections, given that some of the flytipping in West Lindsey was likely to originate in Lincoln.

Note:              Councillor R. Patterson left the meeting at 8.23pm and returned at 8.25pm

Members were satisfied with the recommendation from the Prosperous Communities Committee and praised the team responsible for organising and conducting the bulky waste collections. It was suggested that improved communications could be undertaken regarding the points system as well as increasing publicising of the scheme.

Having been moved and seconded it was

RESOLVED that the continuation of the current pricing schedule, plus inflation, for bulky waste collections, as recommended by the Prosperous Communities Committee on 2 November 2021, be approved.