Issue - meetings

Report ES11108

The Director of Environmental Services submitted a report which explained proposals for the introduction of a trial scheme to supplement the current Green Garden Waste Sticker service and finalise options for textile collections in the Borough.  The report had been discussed by both the Environment and the Executive & Resources (E&R) PDS Committees who had supported the proposals.  However, the E&R PDS Committee had suggested the Portfolio Holder might consider making an initial charge to customers to cover the cost of the wheelie bin provided. The Environment Portfolio Holder had subsequently agreed the introduction of a pilot scheme for a fortnightly wheelie bin collection service for Green Garden Waste which would be for a 10½ month period at a price of £60 per property as well as the changes to the textile collection service.  This report was primarily coming to the Executive to seek approval of the funding arrangements for the trial scheme.  It was proposed that the total cost (£220,000) be met by using £140,000 of the current projected underspend for the Environment Portfolio and a contribution of £80,000 from the recently established ‘Invest to Save Fund’.  The Finance Director advised that the proposals were supported by a very strong business case.

The Environment Portfolio Holder spoke in support of the pilot scheme which was designed to be easy for residents to buy into and was based on the experience gained during the roll out of the food waste collection service.  It was being trialled first and if successful would then be extended across the Borough. The Environment PDS Committee and its Chairman had fully backed the proposals.  He also pointed out that some neighbouring Boroughs made no charge for their garden waste collection service. 

The Chairman of the E&R PDS Committee, Councillor Bosshard, had some concerns at the use of underspend monies to part pay for the scheme particularly in the current financial climate.  His Committee felt that charging a fee for the cost of a bin which could be built into the overall cost for joining the scheme would be worthwhile.  The Director of Environmental Services explained that a charge for bins had been considered when drawing up the scheme.  Officers had looked carefully at examples from other Boroughs who already had such schemes and concluded that by making a charge and putting up the cost it could deter people from taking part.  They had wanted to ensure the scheme would work and be sustainable for the future. Councillor Nicholas Bennett who had been a member of the Working Party involved did not agree but asked whether the management costs had been factored into the business case.  The Director responded that they had but he did not have the breakdown with him and would circulate the information to members after the meeting.

Councillor Morgan expressed the view that the total cost of the scheme should be fully repaid not just the Invest to Save portion and members went on to debate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 108

Report ES11108

Members considered a report seeking approval to:

(i)  introduce a trial scheme with a chargeable wheelie-bin system to supplement the current Green Garden Waste (GGW) Sticker Service; and

(ii)  finalise negotiations on options for textile collections in the borough and to appoint a contractor.

A revised page 1 and 2 of the report had been tabled to replace the published pages. The replacement pages reflected a re-ordering of Options 1 and 2 at paragraph 2.2 of the recommendations so that the ordering of the options reflected the correct ordering at paragraph 5.3 of the report.

Expressions of support were given for the GGW trial. The Head of Waste Services explained the general thinking behind areas selected for the trial namely that: (i) there are a high number of properties with gardens; (ii) the properties are a suitable distance away from satellite sites; and (iii) libraries in the areas have a high sale of stickers for the collection of garden waste sacks. Details were outlined of the ten wards proposed for the trial.

A Member thought that Option 2 with a service running over a period of nine months at a price of £55 per household was preferable as little grew between December to February. Another Member favoured option 1 with a service running over 12 months at a price of £65 per household. This option she felt would take account of used Christmas trees and she was aware that the spring growing season could sometimes start early. With Option 2 she also felt that residents might ask why they were paying for a service from December to February if there were no collections. The Chairman also favoured Option 1 but also acknowledged that there was a £10 saving to residents with Option 2. There was also a difference on break even point between the two options – fewer customers would be necessary for the service to break even with Option 2.

A vote was taken on preferences for either Option 1 or Option 2 with four Members expressing their support for Option 1 and four Members expressing support for Option 2.

Concerning textiles, it was confirmed that a contractor would provide bins at collection banks and would be expected to supply equivalent bins to those already provided. A kerbside collection of textiles was also proposed each month where textiles would be collected with other kerbside collections of materials for recycling.

The Chairman supported notice being given to the current operators for negotiations to progress. It was recommended that charitable organisations be included amongst those approached to carry out the service so that any offers from charities could also be considered.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  the Environment Portfolio Holder be recommended to -

(i)  approve the introduction of a trial of a fixed price fortnightly wheelie bin collection service for Green Garden Waste in specified geographical areas;

(ii)  decide which of the following options to adopt for the new service relating to the length and price  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49