Agenda item

To consider the attached report and make any appropriate recommendations to Cabinet.

The Waste and Recycling Manager presented the Cabinet report which outlined the procurement arrangements for the treatment of collected food waste and garden waste.  Information was provided on the waste contract, Joint Venture and expected savings.

The Chairman thanked the Waste and Recycling Manager for his report and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

In response to a question from Councillor Joyce, it was explained that it was more economical for treatment sites to be within 5 to 7 miles of King’s Lynn.

Councillor Squire referred to the updated report and it was clarified that the three authorities involved in the joint procurement had been referred to.  She also made reference to the provision of caddy liners and WRAP funding which Norwich City Council had used to promote food waste collection and had resulted in an increase in the amount collected.  The Waste and Recycling Manager explained that the Single Use Plastics Informal Working Group had discussed the use of caddy liners, and this was something that could be included in the future.  The Panel also noted that any liner could be used in the food waste caddy as this could be separated when processed.

Councillor Kemp made reference to the Government Waste Strategy and the requirement for all Councils to collect food waste by 2023.  She asked if a countywide initiative could be considered and also if there were plans to bring back processing to Norfolk.  The Waste and Recycling Manager explained that the previous facility which had been used was more expensive per tonne than using an anaerobic digester outside of the County and it produced C02 emissions without any energy recovery.

In response to a question from Councillor Bambridge it was explained that approximately 30% of households used the food waste collection service.  Those present at the meeting who did not use the service cited the reason as to why including composting, not creating any waste and the unpleasantness of it. 

Councillor Parish addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34 and it was explained that the process for maize was different to food waste.  The Executive Director explained that any contract would have an annual service improvement plan written into it and this could look at the provision of caddy liners if required.

Councillor Squire referred to the Government Waste Strategy and the requirement for all Councils to provide a food waste collection service.  She asked if King’s Lynn would be at a financial disadvantage for already having a service, should financial assistance become available for those Councils that would need to introduce the service.  The Waste and Recycling Officer explained that the Government had identified that this would be an additional burden on Local Authorities and options would be considered.

Councillor de Whalley referred to a Suffolk Brewery anaerobic digestion facility and it was explained that the access fee for this facility was too high.  The Waste and Recycling Manager also explained that there was an over capacity of anaerobic plants so they were chasing tonnage.

Councillor Ryves addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34.  He referred to recycling credits and forecasted costs.  The Waste and Recycling Manager explained how savings could be achieved through the new contract.

Councillor Bubb referred to commercial food waste collections and it was explained that this was something that would be looked at on a trial basis.

RESOLVED: That the Environment and Community Panel support the recommendations to Cabinet as set out below:

That Cabinet recommends to Council that the Executive Director for Commercial Services is authorised to commence two procurements for the Borough Council’s treatment of separately collected food waste and separately collected garden waste and grounds maintenance wastes:

a)     Food Waste treatment (anaerobic digestion) is procured within the existing Joint Venture arrangements.

b)     Garden Waste treatment (composting) is procured in the open market.