Issue - meetings

To seek the Executive’s support for the recommendations arising from the review the current policy on domestic waste bin provision and the environmental and budget implications thereof.

Having reviewed the current position regarding the bin provision policy, the report details a proposed new policy and charging mechanism for all bins and waste and recycling containers. In addition, there is a proposal for moving to smaller bins for residual waste in order to encourage a reduction for waste that goes for disposal, in support of both the Council’s environmental aspirations and likely future Government waste strategies.

The proposal includes a phased approach to implementation, with an associated communication strategy, in order to maintain residents’ support of the Council’s efforts to maximise reuse and recycling and to minimise residual waste.

Recommendation

1.    That the Executive approve the revised bin provision policy as set out in paragraph 8 of the report.

2.    That as part of the procurement of any new Bins, consideration is given to the purchase of containers which maximise the use of recycled materials.

3.    That delegated authority is given to the Head of Environmental and Regulatory Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, to implement the Policy and its operational management as soon as practicable.

4.    That if the Policy is adopted as laid out in 2.2 above, the s151 Officer uses his delegated authority to approve any fees laid out in this report, which are inconsistent with the schedule of fees and charges previously approved in the Council’s Budget for the 2021-22 financial year.

RESOLVED that:

1.    To approve the revised bin provision policy as set out in paragraph 8 of the agenda report.

2.    As part of the procurement of any new Bins, consideration is given to the purchase of containers which maximise the use of recycled materials.

3.    Delegated authority is given to the Head of Environmental and Regulatory Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, to implement the Policy and its operational management as soon as practicable.

4.    If the Policy is adopted as laid out in 2 above, the s151 Officer uses his delegated authority to approve any fees laid out in this report, which are inconsistent with the schedule of fees and charges previously approved in the Council’s Budget for the 2021-22 financial year.

Reason: To provide for suitable and sufficient bins to meet the Council’s statutory and customer requirements for waste collection; to contribute to the financial needs of the Council within the current financial environment, through an appropriate charging policy for waste and recycling containers; and, to help meet the Council’s climate change emergency response, as laid out in its Carbon Neutrality Action Plan; specifically, the commitments to moving toward zero waste, through ongoing reductions in residual waste arising from domestic collections and further improvements in the amount of collected waste which is reused, composted or recycled.

[This matter has already been considered by the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee.]

90.1    Cllr Williams introduced the proposal that revised the bin provision policy, following a review of the current policy on domestic waste bin provision and the environmental and budget implications thereof. The report proposed a new policy and charging mechanism for all bins and waste and recycling containers. In addition, there was a proposal for moving to smaller bins for residual waste in order to encourage a reduction for waste that goes for disposal, in support of both the Council’s environmental aspirations and likely future Government waste strategies. The proposal included a phased approach to implementation, with an associated communication strategy, in order to maintain residents’ support of the Council’s efforts to maximise reuse and recycling and to minimise residual waste.

90.2    Members emphasised the importance of communications to support changing residents’ behaviour, and recognised the financial pressures on the council that prevented refuse and recycling bins being provided free of charge.

90.3    The Executive RESOLVED that:

1.    To approve the revised bin provision policy as set out in paragraph 8 of the agenda report.

2.    As part of the procurement of any new Bins, consideration is given to the purchase of containers which maximise the use of recycled materials.

3.    Delegated authority is given to the Head of Environmental and Regulatory Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, to implement the Policy and its operational management as soon as practicable.

4.    The s151 Officer uses his delegated authority to approve any fees laid out in this report, which are inconsistent with the schedule of fees and charges previously approved in the Council’s Budget for the 2021-22 financial year.