Agenda item

Members of Committee were asked to give consideration to a report regarding the 12 month review following the introduction of charges for collecting green waste. The Strategic Manager - Services advised Committee that the report had been seen at the Corporate Policy and Resources Committee to agree the charge for the coming year and that Members of the Challenge and Improvement Committee had requested to be kept informed of information such as the impact on fly-tipping or contaminated recycling bins. With the report presented to Members, the Strategic Manager - Services sought to reassure the Committee of the success of the scheme and answer any concerns they may have.

Members heard that subscriptions to the garden waste service had exceeded expectations with 58.3% of households signing up to the service compared with initial predictions of 50%. There had been an initial increase in missed collections as a result of the new system, non-subscribers reporting missed collections as well as increased numbers requesting an assisted collection service. Supervisors worked closely with teams to resolve these issues and by July, there were fewer missed collections than in the previous year.

With regards to concerns of increased fly-tipping or other bins being used for garden waste, the Strategic Manager - Services explained this had not been shown to be the case. There had been a significant increase in the sale of home composters and data from Household Waste Centres had shown an overall reduction in waste, especially garden waste, over the year. This was presumed to be as a result of the long hot summer. Rates of fly-tipping had also reduced over the year period.

A Member of Committee questioned the charge in comparison with other areas as well as the necessity of the four month break in collections. She explained that within her ward there were a number of households who struggled to get to a household recycling centre and were unable to maintain their gardens satisfactorily as a result of the reduced collections. There were also concerns regarding fallen leaves causing blocked drains and localised flooding. The Strategic Manager - Services explained that the service charge and collection period had been decided upon following public consultation, although he appreciated there would be differing needs across the district. He also explained that there was more intensive street cleaning scheduled at relevant times to deal with fallen leaves.

There was further discussion regarding the rates of fly tipping and Members felt that while the figures were encouraging, it was necessary to remain vigilant as there could be increases in years to come. Thanks were also extended to the operatives for the swift resolution of initial difficulties.

A Member of Committee enquired about the Government’s Waste and Resource Strategy. It was explained there would be an update for Members in the upcoming newsletter but that there would be no immediate changes to waste collection services. It would be a priority for the Council to implement the strategy however the details were yet to be confirmed.

At the conclusion of discussions, Members again offered their thanks to the Strategic Manager - Services and his teams and it was

RESOLVED that:

1)    the year one performance of the subscription based garden waste service be welcomed; and

2)    the decision making process of year two subscription level be supported.