Agenda item

Report ES17016

Members received a six-month update assessing progress against commitments in the latest Environment Portfolio Plan.

With total waste arisings slightly higher than in previous years, it was necessary to re-launch the borough’s recycling initiative through channels such as Resident Associations, Friends Groups, Environment Matters and leaflets, highlighting a message of waste minimisation and recycling. It was also possible to improve the introductory letter for new residents to the borough emphasising a recycling message. The borough was an example amongst local authority peer groups for driving waste minimisation and recycling and saving on landfill/waste costs. 

Although dry recycling had increased to levels approaching those last seen in 2012/13 and 2013/14, household organics recycling was decreasing (judged by weight collected) and it was necessary to identify wards of higher waste generation to better target key recycling messages. (The organics figures in the report included Green Garden Waste). There appeared little doubt that more food waste was contributing to overall waste levels and with more people moving into the borough it was necessary to re-launch key recycling messages.

The level of fly-tipping incidents was also increasing with the number of enforcement actions against fly-tipping decreasing. A sum had been set aside last year for enforcement – with two high profile enforcement actions highlighted - but all local boroughs and counties were suffering the problem. A six-month target of 163 enforcement actions had been set for 2016/17 and 169 actions actually undertaken. With almost 1800 incidents in the first six months of 2016/17, actions comprised nearly 10% of the level of incidents - considered an appropriate level of enforcement. However, officer sickness/absence in 2016 did impact on enforcement activity. Car parks were also assessed for measures to combat fly-tipping and there was an increasing level of surveillance. Additionally, joint actions were undertaken with enforcement agencies and other local authorities with an increased level of fines imposed for fly-tipping. However, offenders were becoming more sophisticated, making it more difficult to obtain evidence. A higher level of enforcement in 2012/13 and 2013/14 could be attributed (in part) to residents leaving material for collection some days prior to collection day, warranting a warning to the householder; however, early deposit of material was now much less of a problem. 

As some fly-tipping was by individuals collecting waste from householders, it was difficult to identify offenders. Vehicle barriers were being installed at known fly-tipping locations with some surveillance cameras also installed. A range of information leaflets had been produced and information sent with planning approval letters highlighted a need to use an approved waste contractor for building waste disposal. A Member also referred to police action against fly-tipping. 

Funding constraints limited more enforcement and a number of cameras were needed for other significant issues. The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) also regulated the Council’s ability to undertake surveillance and investigation. A Member suggested that fly-tipping often occurred where a location was run-down and subject to other problems such as graffiti. Offenders would often receive payment by cash and fine levels were also relatively small against income generated. Ward Members often know the location of fly-tipping hotspots in their ward and it was suggested that officers circulate a request for further information on such locations.

On recycling plastics, it was now possible to include all plastic types for collection; technology at a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) nowpermitted recycled material to be better separated with some weaker grade plastics filtered for fuel purposes. A comprehensive list of plastics for recycling had been included in Environment Matters with information also included on the Council’s website.

A Member also highlighted an increasing problem of householders blowing leaves into the road. Again the matter had been highlighted in Environment Matters. If it was possible to identify an individual, action tended to comprise a warning or more generic advice.

RESOLVED that the six-month progress against the aims of the 2016/19 Environment Portfolio Plan be noted.