Issue - meetings

The Committee heard again from the Director of Commercial and Operational Services regarding the proposed ‘Big Bin Clear Out’ service. This would allow residents to rent one of two sizes of large trade waste bins to dispose of household waste. This could be of use, for example, after parties, clearing out rooms or outbuildings, or at other times when there was excess waste which was too much for normal disposal routes, but not enough to warrant the hiring of a skip.

Members heard that the proposal had been worked up on a cost recovery basis, with bins available at either 660litres or 1100litres, costing either £50 or £60 for a week. This was a service the council would be able to charge for and would work on a cost recovery basis. It was anticipated that demand would not be high initially, meaning the service could be delivered through the normal bulky service. It was confirmed that terms and conditions for the service, including disposal conditions, would be included in the refreshed Waste Policies document which was due for consideration by Committee in March 2024. As with the bulky waste service, residents would be encouraged to reuse or recycle waste material. The service was being initiated as a pilot scheme, to start in the new financial year and be reviewed after 12 months of operation.

Members of the Committee expressed their support for the scheme, however, it was enquired whether the cost was a suitable alternative to skip hire. It was explained that, as waste removal costs had increased significantly, as had the cost of skip hire, meaning the scheme would offer a viable alternative for residents.

There was some concern regarding contamination of waste, or if the bins were used for inappropriate materials. It was explained that the revised terms and conditions would be very clear as to what was and was not appropriate waste for the scheme, with residents liable for extra costs if used incorrectly.

It was also highlighted that, as a pilot scheme, feedback would be sought in order to assess the positives and negatives of the arrangements and how that might impact future delivery of the scheme.

Having been proposed and seconded, the Chairman took the vote and it was unanimously

RESOLVED that

a)    the temporary excess waste solution for residents (to be known as the ‘Big Bin Clear Out’ service) be supported and RECOMMENDED to the Corporate Policy & Resources Committee for approval; and

b)    if approved, a further report be presented to the Prosperous Communities Committee in March 2025 for a final decision on whether to continue with the service.