Issue - meetings

Report number WCS7 by the Head of Waste and Contract Services.

                                                                                                            (attached)

DECISION:

(1)   That arrangements be made for an extensive period of consultation in order to identify the method of waste collection preferred by the residents of the district. The exercise to include direct consultation with the Parish Councils, the Local Area Assemblies and via SKToday;

(2)   That the Cabinet and members of the Waste Management Working Group undertake a fact-finding visit to Newark & Sherwood District Council to learn from their experiences;

(3)   If approval is given to a new twin-bin system, an assessment is to be carried out before full implementation of a new scheme.

Considerations/Reasons for Decision:

(1)     Report number WCS7 by the Head of Waste and Contract Services advising on a proposed consultation exercise with the residents of the district to ascertain their preferences regarding a twin-bin system for refuse and recyclables;

(2)     The recommendation by the Healthy Environment DSP that the council changes to a twin-bin system of collection.  Oral representations made at the meeting by the Chairman of the Waste Management Working Group on why he felt a consultation period was unnecessary.  The Working Group advocated the Council pressing ahead with the new system as it was not a pioneer in this area and the public had clearly demonstrated its support for recycling through the priorities exercise;

(3)     Given the cost implications of changing the system and the fact that it will affect every householder in the district, an in depth consultation exercise will enable a strong gauge of public opinion and feedback.  Involvement of the public in the decision making process will help understanding of the reasons behind the changes and enable residents to adapt the new methods.  Having considered the Chairman of the Working Group’s comments, the Cabinet felt that a consultation exercise was still important as it gave the public an opportunity to voice their opinions.  Consultation would also help the authority to see where the problem areas were e.g. those properties where it would not be practical to have two wheeled bins;

(4)     Visiting another authority will enable this council to understand their methods of working, experience and how they have overcome problems and issues;

(5)     An assessment of any new scheme first will allow problems to be highlighted and rectified before the scheme is rolled out to all residents;

(6)     To await a report to Cabinet late December/early January following the feedback from the consultation exercise.