Agenda item

Report of the Corporate Director Neighbourhood Services.

The Committee received a report of the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and a verbal update by the Head of Projects and Business Services on progress against the waste programme.

The Head of Projects and Business Services advised that Appendix 2 of the report highlighted the main aspects of the programme, including the ‘Bin it Right’ campaign. It was reported that this had already seen some successes as less waste was now been rejected at the Waste Transfer Centres due to contamination. Further details were included in the report regarding the campaign and the issues that the council encountered due to the contamination of waste.

It was reported that a system of placing stickers on the bin, followed up by letters and door knocking was in place to help residents with disposing of their waste correctly if found to have contaminated their bin.

Moving on the Head of Projects and Business Services provided an update on the Garden Waste scheme. It was reported that the new scheme went live on 5 September with almost 4,000 households having already signed up and approximately 400 more signing up per day. It was expected that this would drop off, but would pick back up next spring ahead of the new grass cutting season. In addition approximately 400 residents had to date requested for their bin to be removed.

Mr T Bolton commented that he had spoken with a lady who had received a letter regarding her waste as she had mistakenly placed a skirt in her recycling bin. He added that the letter she had received had made her upset and fearful. With such, he suggested that the content be revisited so that the first letter was not as threatening especially to older people.

Councillor Morrison requested whether data on Garden Waste opt-outs could be provided to a future meeting. It was noted that this could be provided in a future progress report.

Further discussion took place regarding the Garden Waste scheme following a query relating to those who were not eligible for the scheme. The Head of Projects and Business Services advised that the service had identified those properties where the scheme could not be provided however, there was an appeals procedure in place for anyone wishing to contest the decision.

In response to a question on what would happen to garden waste bins members were advised that properties eligible to participate in the garden waste scheme but decided against it would need to advise the Council of this decision otherwise the garden waste bin would not be removed from the property. Further discussion took place regarding sign up for the garden waste scheme and a query was raised as to what would happen to the bins if sign up or request to remove had been received.

Resolved:

That the content of the report and update be noted.