To consider the Task and Finish Group’s report on waste management strategic review.

(The agenda order was changed and this item was considered as the first substantive item.  An adjournment took place following consideration of this item.)

The committee considered the Task and Finish Group’s report on the waste management strategic review.

Councillor Symonds, chairperson of the Group, introduced the report.

Kenton Vigus, Waste Disposal Team Leader, then delivered the presentation as published with the agenda papers as an appendix to the report. (The report’s recommendations were summarised in appendix 2 to the report at pages 393-398 of the agenda papers.)

The committee discussed the Group’s report asking a number of questions to which responses were given.

The following principal points informed the additional recommendations to those set out in the report:

·        It was noted that recommendation 13 proposed that, of the 3 waste collection option, summarised in the report at p 381 of the agenda papers, it was not proposed to consult on option 1 (an “as is service” with a food waste and garden waste collection bolted on). The rationale for this approach was accepted.  However, the committee considered that this should be explained in the proposed consultation document.

·        The committee agreed that communication was key if there was to be public understanding of and acceptance of change and wished to encourage focus on this aspect.

·        It was noted that in the interim prior to the introduction of the new service there was scope to undertake a number of improvements to current arrangements including the treatment of waste received at the household waste recycling centres.  The committee considered that this latter initiative in particular should be pursued.

·        The report was regarded as comprehensive and thorough, raising significant issues.  It was suggested that, noting the Council had been in dialogue with the Department of Rural affairs about the future direction of these services, as had other councils, there would be merit in providing them with a copy of the Group’s report.

RESOLVED:

That      (a)     the Task and Finish Group report and all of its recommendations be approved, subject to including:

1.     that, as part of the consultation process, there is clear explanation given as to why option one is not being put forward as an option;

2.     the Waste Team continue to work with and lead the communications on each of the schemes to ensure public understanding for the preferred options is secured;

3.     asking that the reuse of waste is brought forward as quickly as possible at our local household recycling centres; and

4.     that the Task and Finish group report is shared with Defra; and

              (b)     the findings and recommendations be submitted to the executive for consideration.