Agenda item

The Waste and Recycling Manager presented the report which provided an update on waste related issues and provided information on the current work of the Norfolk Waste Partnership, Waste and Recycling Behaviour Change Programme and waste related issues.

The Panel were provided with detail on the four work streams which the Council was investigating.  Research would then be formulated into proposals, which would be brought back to the Council for consideration at the appropriate time.

The Waste and Recycling Manager referred to the Waste and Recycling Behavioural Change Programme which was being provided through Local Green Points.  The Panel were reminded that the scheme had been funded through a DCLG grant of £256,000.  More detail on the scheme was included within the report and attention was drawn to the cost on contamination within recycling.  It was explained that the cost of reject material in the MRF was up to £200,000.  The Panel was informed that some contaminates also presented a financial risk to the contract, for example the paper bales.  Inspections were carried out on the bales and if they were contaminated they would not be accepted.  The Waste and Recycling Manager explained that nappies in recycling was a huge problem, with approximately 300,000 being collected with recycling each year and paper bales would not be collected if they included any nappies.

The Waste and Recycling Manager explained that the Behavioural Change Programme would be promoted further during national recycling week and work would be carried out to promote good quality recycling.

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 questions, the Waste and Recycling Manager explained that the behavioural change programme was designed to accommodate all, from those who did not feel confident and did not recycle, to those who did recycle, but could do more.

The Waste and Recycling Manager explained that to minimise contamination the team could inspect bins routinely where householders were found to contaminate bins and if they continually found contaminates they would replace the householders green bin with clear sacks, so that contaminants could easily be spotted.

The Chief Executive commented that the last thing the Council wanted to do was to be heavy handed, however contaminated waste was a cost to the tax payer.  Focus would be on education and encouragement, but if people were irresponsible, intervention would be required.

Concerns were raised regarding the food waste caddies and the Waste and Recycling Manager explained that all new residents of the Borough should receive a food waste caddy and instructions on how to use it.  He agreed to check that information was still being provided.  The Assistant Director explained that all new residents also received a Welcome Pack, which provided information on waste and recycling collections.  She agreed to check that the information was still provided.  It was suggested that information on how to dispose of nappies correctly could be provided to hospitals and given out as part of the maternity packs.

The Waste and Recycling Manager confirmed that work would take place on the caddy liner provision and improvements and alternatives would be considered.

The Waste and Recycling Manager explained that there were alternative options available for people who could not visit one of the household recycling centres.  They could use the bulky collection service, or obtain the red tags, which could be used for additional sacks of waste if required.  The Waste and Recycling Manager confirmed that work would be carried out on how improvements in recycling could be achieved in areas with communal bins.

RESOLVED: (i) The report was noted

(ii) Comments made by Members would be taken into consideration.

(iii) An update be provided to the Panel in six months time.