Agenda item

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 of the service provided -

  Option 1 - 12 month service at a price of £65 per property

  Or

  Option 2 - 9 month service at a price of £55 per property;

(iii)  refer the proposal to the Executive as an ‘Invest to Save’ scheme to part fund the wheelie bin containers at a cost of £220k using £140k of the current projected underspend for the Environment Portfolio with a contribution from the Invest to Save fund, estimated to be £80k;

(iv)  approve the replacement of current arrangements for the provision of and collection from textile banks in the borough as set out in paragraphs 3.13 – 3.17 of Report ES11108;

(2)  the Executive be recommended to approve the utilisation of the current projected underspend for the Environment Portfolio to part fund the wheelie bin containers to facilitate the introduction of this trial service, with the balance being met from the Invest to Save fund.