To receive a short presentation on the consultation on the Waste and Recycling service.
Minutes:
Andy Conn (Head of Waste Management) gave a presentation regarding the on-going consultation on the waste and recycling collection service.
Changes to the provision of this service within Wiltshire were required to ensure that the same service was provided to all residents. In addition to this, the need to meet tougher recycling targets and to minimise landfill required a new approach to waste collection across the county.
The proposal was for household rubbish and black box recycling (i.e. tins, glass and paper) to be collected on alternate weeks. There would also be a fortnightly collection of plastic bottles and cardboard recycling. In addition, the current fortnightly collection of garden waste would continue, although this would now be free to all residents, rather than being charged as at present.
This proposal sought to balance the best service with maximising the opportunities for recycling and minimising costs. A consultation was underway to seek support for this proposal from Wiltshire residents. Leaflets were available at the meeting summarising the proposals, with a detachable freepost slip on which residents could record their support or opposition to the proposals. Residents could also respond to the consultation online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/rubbishandrecycling/waste.htm.
The Chairman then invited questions and comments:
· Referring to the recent announcement by Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, in support of weekly waste collection, Andy commented that the government had also encouraged consultation with residents. Wiltshire Council’s proposal had already been postponed earlier in the year, in the expectation of a formal policy decision from the government, however no such decision had been forthcoming.
· It was noted that, in addition to waste sent to landfill, a proportion was sent to an “Energy from Waste” incineration facility near Slough. Andy commented that the Council used several options to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
· It was yet to be determined how the proposed additional recycling collection of plastics and cardboard would be undertaken, although it was likely to be a wheelie bin or a bag.
· A resident considered that a significant element of landfill consisted of items which could be reused or recycled. Andy responded that of the waste taken to Wiltshire’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), over 75% was recycled or reused, which was very high compared to other authorities. In addition to this, some large items, such as furniture, were recycled through charitable reuse networks.
· Responding to comments regarding rumours that recyclable material was collected and then sent to landfill, Andy commented that this was untrue. With the exception of a 1-2% contamination rate, the additional cost of paying landfill tax and the potential value of recyclable material ensured it would never be sent to landfill.
· Local recycling schemes had not been included in the proposals, and it was noted that use of these sites had declined due to the increase in kerbside recycling collection. It was likely that the network would be reviewed with a view to rationalising some of the sites.
· Although the current contract with waste contractors did not allow for the council to retain any of the value of recycled materials (aside from a percentage of the paper recycling income above a certain level), this managed the risk of the fluctuating value of recycled materials. However, the saving to the Council, in terms of keeping waste out of landfill, was £48 per ton at present; this would rise to £80 in a few years.
· In relation to incentive schemes and penalty schemes to encourage recycling, Andy commented that both systems would require additional bureaucracy. It was considered that the best incentive was a good service, offering residents a choice of methods.