The following Motion has been forwarded from Council to the Policy Development Group for consideration.
Motion 542 (Councillor Mrs J Roach – 30 November 2017)
That this Council consider the use of recycling trolleys as a pilot project, hopefully in Silverton, as an alternative to assisted collections for those who wish to try out such a system.
Please note: Having considered the above Motion the Policy Development Group are asked to consider whether this Motion should either be supported or rejected. This decision will be referred back to full Council on 27 February 2018.
Minutes:
The Group had before it the following Motion that had been forwarded from Council to the Policy Development Group for consideration.
Motion 542 (Councillor Mrs J Roach – 30 November 2017)
That this Council consider the use of recycling trolleys as a pilot project, hopefully in Silverton, as an alternative to assisted collections for those who wish to try out such a system.
Cllr Mrs Roach distributed photos of the trolleys that she was proposing and explained that although she appreciated the trolleys were expensive she thought they would be worthwhile and hoped that a trial would be possible in Silverton as an alternative to assisted collections for the elderly. She explained that older people often found it hard to carry boxes but they would be able to wheel this system which would reduce the number of assisted collections needed and even if an assisted collection was still required, it would be easier for the collectors. With an ageing population Cllr Roach anticipated that requests for assisted collections would increase. The system was also a neat, space saving way to store recycling and following trials on Anglesey had been implemented throughout the island.
The Group Manager for Street Scene and Open Spaces explained that there were currently 662 assisted collections throughout the District. Assisted collections could be requested for various reasons such as physical disabilities, mobility issues, dexterity, learning difficulties and frailty. He did not consider that the use of trolley boxes would resolve all of these assisted collection requirements as residents with severe physical disabilities and frailty may not be able to use the trolley and would still require an assisted collection from an agreed location.
Cllr Roach considered that the trolleys would allow residents to maintain their dignity and independence.
He further explained that on average trolley box cost £38 per unit, price would vary to ensure boxes were compatible with our boxes. So there could be a potential initial cost of around £25,156 plus delivery to householders. An ongoing replacement budget would be required based on a 5-10 year life.
He considered that the use of trolley boxes would need to be risk assessed due to the use of a different collection method. Trolley boxes were not a complete replacement for assisted collections as most collections included food waste caddies and refuse. He suggested that there would be a need to consider who was eligible for a trolley box and update procedures and policies. Customers would be restricted to 3 boxes on standard trolley.
Cllr Roach informed the Committee that she had personally spoken to local residents that had expressed an interest in these trolleys.
Discussion took place regarding:
· Recycling boxes could be stacked and people with assisted collections were not expected to sort their recycling if they were not able;
· There had not been any complaints registered regarding assisted collections;
· Boxes used in the unit would have to be compatible with vehicles;
· Budget limitations;
· Whether or not the trolleys would save time for operatives;
· There were more than three recycling materials collected in Mid Devon so further containers would be required;
· Whether or not the cost of the trolleys could be offset by the time saved collecting;
· Recycling could be collected from the trolleys if the resident bought one for their own use as long as the boxes were compatible;
· Welsh authorities had targets with penalties for failure to achieve;
· Agreement that the trolleys looked user friendly but concerns about the cost;
· Whether it was appropriate to undertake a trial if the finance would not be available to implement it if it proved successful;
· The need to keep uniformity to waste and recycling services provided across the district.
It was RECOMMENDED to Council that Motion 542 not be supported.
(Proposed by the Chairman)
Note: - Cllr Mrs J Roach asked that her vote in support of the Motion be recorded.