Agenda item

To receive a report from the Operation Manager, Street Scene and Open Spaces on the Waste and Recycling Options.

Cabinet had before it a report * from the Head of People, Performance and Waste and the Operations Manager for Street Scene and Open Spaces regarding the Waste and Recycling options.

The Cabinet Member for Service Delivery and Continuous Improvements outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following:

• The Council’s future plans for how they aimed to build on the current Waste and Recycling activity in the future. Discussions had taken place in earnest since the start of the Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement Policy Development Group (PDG) in June 2024. This included proposals to carry out pilots of two new initiatives to trial pots and pans collections as well as disposable nappies in the first half of 2025 and to consider charging house builders for bins and containers to be provided to new properties in 2025/2026.
• The paper also provided updates on several other initiatives and items of interest discussed in the PDG including coffee pods, blister packs, soft plastics and other items so those discussions were kept live whilst officers examined the immediate pilot priorities that would commence in February 2025 with the trial of pots and pans collections. Whilst a trial of collecting disposable nappies would only mean a £3-4K charge for the Council, a permanent implementation of this scheme would likely see a cost of around £280K.
• One additional piece of good news which was not to hand when the paper was published 10 days ago. Members would remember that before Parliament was dissolved before the July general election that the previous Government had published “Simpler Recycling reforms” (in draft format) which suggested that fortnightly residual collections may be made mandatory across the country.
• He was delighted to announce that following many conversations and writing various correspondence, including a joint letter which Mid Devon led on the behalf of eight other authorities across the country, the Council would be able to keep its three weekly bin collection scheme. Since this had come into play the Council had been one of the highest improving authorities across the country for its recycling rate and reduction in residual tonnage, and would now look forward to seeing the authority break into the top 5% nationally in the years to come (and hopefully sooner rather than later).
• In recent weeks the Council had received a provisional estimate on their projected Extender Producer Responsibility (EPR) award for 2025/26 and a further paper would come to Cabinet on this matter at February’s Cabinet meeting.

Discussion took place regards to:

• The great news on a trial to collect unusable metal pots and pans from an area in the District.
• Positive to see those valuable trials in this area and a step forward for the Council.
• The opportunity to recycle more on the door steps for residents.
• Discussion took place with what would be the process and the opportunity to continue after the trial had ended.
• Would the nappy waste collection include sanitary products, incontinence and puppy training pads?
• Members thanked officers for the continuation of the work that had been completed in regards to the waste collection.

RESOLVED that:

1. To review the contents of this report.

2. Make recommendations regarding trialling and introducing the following practices in the District:

a.    Begin a nappy waste collection trial with 150-200 properties in April 2025 for three months.

b.    Begin a trial to collect unusable metal pots and pans from an area in the District for a period of three months.

c.    A further review to charge new house builders/owners for new bins and containers to each property.

(Proposed by Cllr J Wright and seconded by Cllr L Taylor)

Reason for Decision:

Under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act, Waste Collection Authorities may by means of notice specify how householders present their waste for collection. There would be legal requirements to adhere to legislation around Simpler Recycling once it had been clarified by Government.

Note: * Report previously circulated.