Further to a report of the Interim Group Manager for Street Scene and Open Spaces, the Environment Policy Development Group had made the following recommendations that:
· The options in the report be considered; and
· Authority should be given for the Service to complete a trial to a limited number (around 1000) of households for a minimum of three months
The Cabinet Member for the Environment outlined the contents of the report stating that the suggested changes to the current scheme had been discussed with advisors and meetings had taken place with East Devon District Council with regard to the scheme that they were running and consideration of any best practice. Four options had been put forward, this was not about saving money but increasing recycling in line with Government guidelines to recycle 65% of household waste by 2035 and Devon’s proposed 60% target by 2025. He outlined the proposed trial which would take place in urban and rural areas (which would include some specific areas that had special issues) and it was hoped that the trial would increase recycling which was cost effective.
Consideration was given to:
· Other districts that had implemented 3 weekly residual waste collections and whether they had fortnightly collections of recycling or whether they had weekly recycling collections
· The need for an additional option to include residual - 3 weekly, chargeable garden waste - 2 weekly, food – weekly, recycling - weekly, with a residual waste - residents’ receptacle or sacks, as there was a need to look at all the options for a complete trial. It was agreed that this should be considered as part of the trial.
· The cost implications of the various options
· Whether special circumstances would be considered depending on the number of people/children in a residence
· Capacity to store waste prior to collection
· Whether the amount of waste to be collected would be capped
· How the collection lorries would be used
· The amount of brown bins being stored at the depot
· Opportunities to reduce the current carbon footprint
RESOLVED that the recommendation of the Policy Development Group be approved.
(Proposed by Cllr C R Slade and seconded by Cllr Miss E Wainwright)
Reason for decision – there is a 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.
Note: *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.