Agenda item

A discussion item (requested by Cllr Bailey).

Councillor Matthew Bailey presented the discussion item regarding Communal Recycling scoping.

The purpose of the discussion was to review the success of the twin stream rollout, specifically with communal properties.

Councillor Matthew Bailey identified a lack of consistency across the rollout regarding the amount and colour of bins. There was also an added complication of temporary accommodation properties where there was a high turnover of residents. To try and add greater continuity across the service, the Member suggested using bags for all communal properties.

As part of the review, the Member requested clarity about the following –

-       How items are appropriately recycled when they are collected in mixed recycling bags.

-       Whether there were any measurements of the recycling rates of communal properties compared to standard properties.

-       Were recycling bags being collected from communal properties as part of the purple-bin week service.

-       Were a sufficient amount of recycling bags being issued to properties. 

In response to the above queries, the Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste noted a review was already underway by the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership who scrutinised how recycling was tested for contamination by SKDC. SKDC had been liaising with Lincolnshire County Council to try and increase the presence of communal bins.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste also clarified the number of bags issued were calculated by the size of the waste that the household generated.

The Cabinet Member noted there was no waterproof bag that would be accepted. Waste was separated and the purple-lidded bin stream was sent to Kings Lynn.

One Member noted they had recently held a substantial walk around their ward with relevant Officers and the Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste. The purpose of this walk was to identify any deficiencies from the rollout and seek a swift resolution.

It was noted by another Member that when recycle bags were not collected due to contamination, this obstructed the already narrow pavements in areas such as Stamford. 

One Member also requested the cost implication of printing the purple bin bags.

It was noted that it was fundamental for those in temporary accommodation to be educated on the regulations around bin collections in the district.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste recognised that efforts were being made to raise awareness about the correct items to put in the correct bins, however, it was axiomatic that there would be some individuals who refuse to engage. The Cabinet Member was explicit that SKDC did not have the resource or capacity to provide a mop-up system for bags that were not collected because of the lack of cooperation by individuals who did not bag the items correctly. However, this had to be balanced by the public health concern of waste items being left unattended.

The Cabinet Member noted that at 38%, the contamination rate was initially amongst the highest in the country following the rollout. In the last full month of figures, this rate had dropped significantly to 8%.

ACTION: For Communal Recycling to be added to the Work Programme for a future meeting.