Issue - meetings

The Committee heard from the Operational Services Manager who explained there had been a number of changes made to the Waste and Recycling Operation policies following a standard two-yearly review. He highlighted a selection of changes, noting that the full table of amendments was detailed within the report.

With regard to the Council not accepting responsibility for the emptying of bins which may have had parcel deliveries left inside, Members enquired as to whether the Council could run a communications campaign to advise residents of the risk. Additionally, in response to a query regarding the replacement of damaged bins and removed bins, it was clarified that damaged bins were replaced for free on the first occasion, and the charge to the resident was in the case of it being the same resident at the property, not where there had been change of resident.

Members requested it be put on record that the Committee extended thanks and praise to the Manager and his team for the success of the rollout of the food waste collections. It was acknowledged that, as a new service, there would be a ‘bedding in’ period, and in response to a query regarding the hygiene and safety of the collections, it was confirmed that all operatives had been trained on the correct use of PPE and manual handling, and, where Members had seen operatives actively running during the collection rounds, it was confirmed this was a personal choice not mandated due to the time pressures of collection routes.

In response to a query regarding the increase in household size required for a larger general waste bin, it was explained this had been introduced as a result of the food waste collections, with general waste amounts expected to reduce. Lincolnshire County Council had an education team who would visit residents to discuss waste and recycling processes in order to achieve the most efficient use of bins and waste generated.

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

            RESOLVED that

a)    all changes in table one of the report be approved for making to the Waste & Recycling Operational Services Policy; and

b)    the Policy be reviewed and return to committee in two years.