To receive an update in relation to waste and recycling functions.
Minutes:
Members welcomed Ashley Collins – Waste and Recycling Strategy Officer to the meeting to update on the scheme and activities. Ashley explained that he had asked to attend this round of shire meetings in order to update new members on the service and how it operates and to take questions. During discussion and update particular reference was made to:
a. Visibility – the service is very visible and subject to close scrutiny by the public. The public would be very likely to raise issues with their local members
b. Kerbside Collections – the Authority had adopted the Welsh Government’s favoured scheme of kerbside collections (the scheme relies upon residents to separate waste, residents should be recognised for supporting the scheme)
c. Community Recycling Sites – sites were reviewed in 2016. In some areas use had lessened because residents were using the kerbside recycling scheme. Sites are used for green waste and heavy cardboard
d. Household Waste and Recycling Centres - the Authority has a statutory obligation to provide one site for the storage and collection of recyclable household waste, however, it exceeds this requirement and operates five (three of which are at sites which are owned by the Local Authority). There had been a proposal to reduce to three sites, however, the Cabinet which was formed after the May election had agreed to retain five sites (subject to appropriate review) and to increase the length of time sites are open during a five day opening week (to include Saturday and Sundays). Sites are operated under contract with the Authority and proposals to create a Council owned site in Newtown would be progressed. It would be much better for the Authority to own its sites
e. Permits – a permit arrangement had been introduced for use of Household Waste Recycling Centres in order to reduce any abuse and dumping of trade waste which should be disposed of through individual agreements
f. Collection Cycles – there would be a weekly dwelling collection of recyclable waste with non-recyclable (black bag waste) being collected every three weeks (3 weekly collections had been agreed in November 2015 and to date were working well). There may be considerations in relation to a four weekly residual waste collection. Members and residents would be kept informed of any plans to introduce a four weekly cycle
g. Targets – the Welsh Government impose waste reduction and recycling targets. Fines could be issued to those Authority areas that do not meet targets. The price for sending waste to landfill is increasing. The Authority exceeded the 2015/16 target to recycle recyclable household waste, the target being 58%. Requirements to be met for 2019/20 are 64% and 70% by 2024/25
h. Wood – there are considerations with regard to schemes for recycling wood. Members and residents would be informed of any future plans
i. Cae Post – Cae Post no longer work under contract with the Authority for providing a waste collection function (it had done in previous years). For a charge Cae Post could recycle waste which the Authority would not accept
j. Trade Waste – those operating businesses are required to enter into agreements for disposing of trade waste. Trade waste is a chargeable activity
k. Route Optimisation – routes would be reviewed in order to reduce mileage and repeat passes of dwellings. Savings will be achieved. There may be media attention. The only change that the public would experience may be a change of collection day
l. Fly Tipping – all authorities experience issues with regard to the fly tipping of waste. The Authority had recently strengthened its processes in order to warn and act. The process is three staged and begins with an advice notice which would progress to a warning and finally actions including fines and potential for prosecution
m. Abermule Site – there are ongoing discussions with the Welsh Government regarding the operation of a multi-service site in Abermule which could include a waste management facility
n. Waste Fleet (VAT) – a member requested clarification regarding VAT fuel arrangements for the waste fleet. Ashley would report back