Issue - meetings

Purpose of the report

To provide an overview of the opportunities and associated risks of expanding the current bulky waste collection service. The bulky waste collection service was experiencing persistent high demand, and this report highlighted the financial viability of introducing an additional vehicle and crew.

Decision

That Cabinet recommend an expansion to the bulky waste collection service be considered as part of the budget setting process for 2025/2026.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The other option considered was to do nothing and leave the bulky waste collection service as it was now. There was a risk that this would have left residents with limited options for disposing of their bulky items and may result in an increase in fly tipping.

Reasons for the decision

Cabinet considered the business case for the additional bulky waste collection vehicle and crew and expressed their views on the proposal being included in the budget setting process. Investing in a second vehicle would result in greater capacity and significantly shorter waiting times. Another vehicle would allow the collection of fridges on every weekday, which would improve the service for fridge collections especially in the south of the District.

The following comments were highlighted during debate:

• Some residents had reported a delay in booking a collection, and that collection subsequently taking place.
• Officers worked with waste partners at Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) along with various other waste transfer solutions on the disposal of waste. There were disposal sites across the District and no major additional pressures on these sites were envisaged if a second vehicle was used.
• The council was now working with a third-party waste disposal partner in the Deepings.
• It was hoped the initiative would also result in a reduction in fly tipping.