Agenda and minutes

Items
No. Item

1.

Question from: County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe Subject: Household Waste Recycling Centres

 

Question From:

County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe

Subject:

Household Waste Recycling Centres

Question To:

County Councillor Heulwen Hulme

Portfolio Holder for Environment

 

Question:

Following on from the UK government announcement that they are looking to reopen recycling centres in England can you confirm the council’s position and any details on the plan to reopen with social distancing measures?

 

With fly tipping increases across the county and within the National Parks it seems more important to assist residents as soon as safe to do so to help with handling recycling that can not be collected by the curb side method. Since the lock down the council have asked residents to store any excess and with the proposals of opening DIY stores and other similar business thus will possibly increase the need for this service.

 

I look forward to your response.

 

Minutes:

Response by the Portfolio Holder:

 

Thank you for your question regarding the reopening of HWRCs.  Unsurprisingly, we are now getting a number of enquiries regarding this issue, in response to which the press release below will be issued shortly.

 

Plans to open HWRC are being considered

 

In accordance with Welsh Government guidelines, all Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRC) in Powys and across Wales are currently closed.

 

However, plans for how and when to reopen these facilities are being considered by all Welsh local authorities, in conjunction with Welsh Government.

 

For HWRC to reopen, it is essential that they can operate safely, protecting our residents and staff and minimising the spread of the coronavirus. When they do, restrictions will be in place and visits should only be made where there is no alternative. Residents should expect to queue and follow the site rules.

 

We will share our plans with residents once confirmed.

 

Many residents are using this enforced time at home to tackle DIY projects and clear-out sheds and garages, etc. However, getting rid of any subsequent waste is not deemed essential under current lockdown rules.

 

The commitment of our crews during the pandemic has been unwavering. As a result of their hard work, and despite staff shortages and different working guidelines, kerbside collection services have continued as normal, across the county. We ask that any waste that cannot be collected through the normal kerbside collections should be stored safely at home until government restrictions are eased.

 

The Welsh Government guidance has been clear in terms of what is an essential journey and a trip to the HWRC was not considered essential.  With the possibility of some easing of the lockdown in the near future we are seeking further guidance on this issue.  In the meantime we are working with our contractor so that we will be able to open in accordance with new guidance ensuring the safety of the staff and public.

 

In terms of flytipping, whilst there have been some anecdotal reports of an increase, this has not been a particular problem in Powys according to our figures.  It is important to remember that flytipping is a criminal activity to which the vast majority of residents do not resort.  There may be an increase in unscrupulous operators who will take household waste away for a fee and then illegally dump it, but we do regularly remind householders that they can be prosecuted for using such operators and to always check the validity of anyone they are using for such a service.

 

As soon as we have any firmer plans we will publicise them widely.