Decision details

Consideration was given to a report that presented the outcomes of the Place Select Committee’s review of Domestic Waste Collections, Kerbside Recycling and Green Waste.

The report outlined the outcomes of the Scrutiny Review of Domestic Waste Collections, Kerbside Recycling and Green Waste. In conducting the review, the Select Committee were aware that:

• Levels of recycling in the Borough are amongst the lowest in the country

• The cost of the weekly collection of general waste is increasing rapidly

• Food waste collection is likely to be a requirement in the coming years and a proactive approach could contribute to the Council’s carbon reduction targets

• The collection of garden waste/green waste also benefited some communities more than others

Overall, the Council’s approach to waste reduction could be improved to reduce the financial and carbon cost. Therefore, this review aimed to consider the potential public reaction but also give appropriate consideration to the importance of the environment, the costs of service

delivery, and the direction of national policy over food waste.

The Committee had taken evidence from Council Officers and a representative from the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). The Committee also visited the J&B Recycling plant, Hartlepool as part of this review.

Following approval by Cabinet, an action plan would be submitted to the Select Committee for their endorsement.

RESOLVED that:-

1. The Council adopt a fortnightly refuse collection service.

2. Scenario 3 (fortnightly refuse collection with a weekly ‘multi-stream collection of dry recycling and food waste) in the Place Select Committee report is adopted as the Council’s new waste and recycling collection service. Consideration is also given to timescales around national mandated services and local waste disposal arrangements.

3. The green waste collection service be reviewed in line with updated government guidance.

4. A comprehensive communications and community engagement plan on proposed changes be implemented to ensure residents are sufficiently informed prior to the enactment of any changes, and to help embed the changes, to the waste and recycling service.

This topic was included on the Scrutiny Work Programme for 2023-24. The review is now complete, and the recommendations have been endorsed by the Place Select Committee for submission to Cabinet.

None.