Agenda item

Report ES14096

Members considered a proposed revision to the Green Garden Waste (GGW) Satellite service.

In recent years GGW tonnages collected at satellite sites had reduced.  Provisional 2014 tonnages suggest that tonnages might have risen slightly, but were still projected to be lower than tonnages in 2012. GGW tonnages delivered by residents to the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) had also declined since 2010 (although good weather this year had seen a slight rise in tonnages).

With over 15,000 customers having subscribed to the GGW collection service and new customers subscribing monthly, the original objective of the Satellite Sites – to address congestion issues near the HWRC sites – had become less crucial. Improvements to customer areas at the HWRC sites had also helped to address congestion pressures.

Two options were therefore proposed as savings to the GGW Satellite service:

Option 1: Open 3 sites on Saturdays and 2 different sites on Sundays between April and November with an annual saving of £136k;

Option 2: Open 3 sites on Saturdays and 2 different sites on Sundays between April and October with an annual saving of £151k.

The cost of operating the sites is highest on Sundays due to additional wage costs for Sunday working. Sunday opening hours are also more limited due to restrictions on HWRC opening hours and the need to empty vehicles ready for normal Monday work. With more sites open on Saturdays, site availability will also be maximised to avoid congestion.

The proposed service change also assumed that the sites would be operated one weekend each January to enable residents to recycle Christmas trees, with three sites open on Saturday and two open on the Sunday.

Where necessary the operating day of a site could also be changed during a particular weekend e.g. switching the day for Charles Darwin from Saturday to Sunday to avoid a Saturday open day at the school. Contingency measures would also be available should fly-tipping increase. 

Councillor Mellor (Copers Cope), attending as a visiting Member, referred to a number of comments received from residents in Copers Cope ward. These included concern over the level of consultation. Two elderly residents, without online access, had not been advised of the proposed change. Financial constraints were recognised but it was also necessary to consider the concerns of residents. There was also a view that the HWRCs would not be able to cope with an increased demand. Some pensioners might also find an annual £60 fee for the collection scheme difficult to afford. Based on financial considerations, Councillor Mellor suggested that Option 2 provided a more favourable option, delivering savings to both residents and the Council.

In response to a question from Councillor Benington, also a visiting Member, it was confirmed that a spare vehicle was available for GGW, although for satellite site collections, fewer vehicles would be necessary in future. Councillor Benington highlighted the high level of courtesy and flexibility of staff at the Charles Darwin site.

Members considered the proposed service change, recognising its necessity in view of budget constraints. There had also been a decline in usage of the satellite sites. Comments made by Committee Members included the following:

·  the proposals are fair;

·  all existing sites will continue to operate  - either on a Saturday or Sunday under the new service;

·  more promotion of the GGW collection scheme is necessary;

·  direct debit payments at £15 per quarter could provide an attractive option;

·  increased publicity is necessary before implementing the change, including further promotion of the collection scheme;

·  a saving of this level for GGW is preferable to finding an equivalent saving in social care;

·  arrangements for Christmas tree disposal need to be publicised in good time with satellite sites open during a weekend after twelfth night.

In response to an observation that the sites for Sunday opening are closest to the HWRCs, Members were advised that more vehicles pass through the centres on Saturday compared to Sunday with traffic tending to flow more smoothly on Sundays. 

The Portfolio Holder highlighted that it was possible for householders at smaller properties to share a GGW Wheelie Bin and the cost of the service. 

In concluding, it was agreed that Option 1 should be recommended.

RESOLVED that the Environment Portfolio Holder be recommended to

agree that Option 1 be taken forward for the future operation of the Green Garden Waste Satellite Site service, as outlined at paragraph 3.14 of Report ES14096, with the changes effective from April 2015.

(Democratic Services Note - following the meeting it was proposed that Shire Lane, Cotmandene Crescent and Norman Park satellite sites would be open on Saturdays between 11am and 4pm, with Biggin Hill and Unicorn School satellite sites open on Sundays. This was subsequently reflected in the decision taken by the Environment Portfolio Holder).