Agenda item

Members considered an update on the roll out of the twin stream project and the timelines for the reintroduction of contamination monitoring process for the dry mixed recycling (DMR) bins.

Members of the Council had all been invited to an all-member briefing on this topic taking place at 6pm on 4 June 2024.

The following points were highlighted during the introduction and debate on the item:

·       99% of bins had been collected.

·       It had been agreed to address contamination in silver bins alongside the roll out of paper and card collection. The contamination rate was around 30% of bins collected.

·       Alongside a proactive educational campaign, a ‘tag and take’ exercise was undertaken to highlight to residents the problematic items in their recycling waste; this included paper and card. This was paused in February 2024 due to a number of issues.

·       To address the issues that occurred on the last exercise, a project group had been established which was made up of SKDC officers, LCC representatives and Cabinet representatives. The group assessed what could be tackled differently and decided that a data-driven, phased approach would be best.

·       When bins were rejected from w/c 10 June there would be a comprehensive rejection tab. A public apology for any mistakes made by the Cabinet Member was contained within the minutes of Full Council on 29 February 2024.

·       The legislative requirements for recycling were vague; when something was ‘recyclable’ this simply meant that it could be recycled anywhere within Europe. If residents were still not sure after reading guidance from the Council on whether their packaging was recyclable, then they should use the black bin rather than potentially contaminate their recycling bin.

·       Operatives would be sharing leaflets on their round w/c 10 June. It could also be argued that the ‘hoop tags’ on contaminated bins were a form of education.

·       It was pleasing to see the provision of additional staff training and resources. Resources and time would also be used to educate members of the public as to what they could or could not place into their bin.

·       Not all waste in a black bin went to landfill, as some of it was sent to the local Energy from Waste plant.

·       ACTION – an update on how latest round of rejected bins was received would return to Committee when possible.

·       A general rule with plastic recycling was that if it could be scrunched up in one hand, then it should be placed into the black bin. Residents would not be punished for well-meaning mistakes. However, more significant contamination would have to be enforced; for example nappies or clothing in recycling bins.

·       Space for the extra bins was an issue that was still being explored, with bespoke solutions being sought. Larger bins had previously been offered; however households struggling with capacity should contact the Council for assistance in the first instance.

·       Leaflets distributed to residents would factor in local differences, such as the different coloured bins and bags within Stamford.

The Committee NOTED the contents of the report and the revised action plan for the reintroduction of the contamination monitoring process for the Dry Mixed Recycling waste stream.