Issue - meetings

Report of the Operations Manager for Street Scene and Open Services.

Cabinet were presented a report whichoutlined the recycling options following the delivery of three weekly residual waste collections, which commenced in the District on the 10 October 2022. This report reviewed the need to increase recycling in the District in line with government guidelines to recycle 65% of household waste by 2035 and Devon’s proposed 60% target rate by 2025. This report described possible future weekly recycling collection arrangements and their implications.

The following was highlighted:

• A weekly recycling schedule would put Mid Devon District Council in line with other districts across the county. However, there were cost implications which would result in an additional £1.4m cost.
• A move to a larger depot would be required with an increased investment in additional staff and vehicles.
• A trial would be needed and this was expected to cost circa £30,000.
• There was an awareness of the current financial situation.

The following was discussed:

• This was welcomed and had shown that this matter had been taken seriously.
• The storage of recycling had proven to be problematic.
• A trial would be sensible and welcomed.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet reviewed the information in this report along with any potential future implementation of weekly recycling and the subsequent implications that would arise from such a change.

2.    That Cabinet agreed that a trial takes place within the financial year 23/24 and when cabinet deemed appropriate.

(Proposed by Cllr C Slade, seconded by Cllr C Eginton)

Reason for decision – as set out in the report.