Agenda item

It was important for the Panel to establish similar activities councils were undertaking, particularly in the recycling output in flats. The Panel noted the importance to learn from other authorities together with the barriers and subsequent incentivisation to recycling.

Report HPS/042 of the Head of Major Projects and Commercial Services documents research and analysis undertaken by officers in relation to other authorities and lessons learned.

It was important for the Panel to understand any similar activities that other councils were undertaking, particularly in the recycling output from flats. The Panel noted the importance to learn from other authorities and had requested further research be undertaken with regards to their collection regimes, together with the barriers and subsequent incentivisation to recycling.

The Panel considered HPS/042 which documented the research undertaken by officers in relation to other authorities. The Panel was informed of a clerical correction in the report regarding the “National Context” as follows:

The fifth line should read ‘This figure is decreasing all the time and will continue to do so in light of DEFRA’s Simpler Recycling which will mandate a separate food waste collection’.

In answering queries on the report, it was acknowledged that within Crawley there were 10,970 flats across 989 blocks. 3,769 flats (505 blocks) were managed by Crawley Homes. There were also around another 135 managing agents and private landlords who were responsible for the remaining flats.  In addition it was thought it would be beneficial to contact and liaise with Residents’ Associations for some of the flats.

It was recognised that recycling at flats presented a number of barriers and challenges including storage space constraints within homes, the state and location of communal bin areas and confusion over what can and cannot be recycled. Blocks of flats vary considerably from the refuse disposal methods used to the communication opportunities available, meaning different approaches may be appropriate depending upon circumstance.  There was currently an audit being undertaken for each block of flats/communal area to determine the specifics, availability, options and opportunities as understanding the current environment was key.

Bulky waste was noted as a concern, and whether areas within bin stores could accommodate areas for this collection.  However, it was recognised due to communal areas this may not be feasible but further data would be analysed once the audit had been completed.  It was acknowledged that the Council operated a bulky waste collection service and residents who were in receipt of certain benefits may qualify for one free collection every 12 months. It was noted that private contractors to collect and dispose of unwanted items could be used but ensuring the contractor was a Registered Waste Carrier.

Given the small percentage of local authorities nationally (15%) that had maintained a weekly residual waste collection, it was noted that the documentation and research available on implementation and incentivisation would be paramount.  It was recognised that Simpler Recycling was a national strategy and further information would be forthcoming.  The Council worked in partnership with WSCC (as the waste disposal authority) to ensure regional communication would ensure consistency, along with that on a local level.  The Panel had received background information detailing initiatives from other authorities, together with WRAP and ReLondon which documented the improvements in waste and resource management particularly around flats, and took to opportunity to thank the Democratic Services Officer for the research undertaken.

It was acknowledged that the new Simpler Recycling regulations stipulated that food waste collections must be provided to all households including flats and this would be challenging given the complex nature.  Previously, improvements implemented at flats were phased in following the pilot in 2016.  The Panel were informed that it was anticipated that households would receive two food caddies (small one for inside and the external bin). As with any change it would take a little while for residents to adapt to the new service and see the benefits if they fully recycled and separated out all of their food waste. The Panel welcomed that the roll-out may potentially be undertaken in two or more phases depending on the varying requirements of different property types.

Panel Members saw the benefit of using ‘smart clear sacks’ for recycling material, particularly for flats.  These had been successfully used in other local authorities (for example Kensington and Chelsea) for both commercial premises and residential).  Accepted recyclable items were printed on the sack and clearly visible.

The Panel observed that its scope had been to improve recycling rates within the borough and whilst there was a strong link between the waste collection strategy and the level of recycling, (typically where an authority had moved from a residual waste collection to one which was less frequent this had resulted in higher recycling rates), Simpler Recycling was to be mandated in 2026.  However, there were improvements that could be actioned prior (and in tandem) to the implementation of Simpler Recycling which would assist. 

It was clear that a positive message regarding recycling was required in order to incentivise and encourage residents.  The Panel was keen that the Council’s current webpage on ‘Waste and Recycling’ be re-named ‘Recycling and Waste’, together with some rebranding (similar to other authorities).  It was felt a simple title change would place recycling at the forefront but also relocate the page higher on the website and thus refocus priorities. It was important to have a simple message throughout all communications, both now and during the introduction of Simpler Recycling, that recycling makes a difference and for residents not to ‘waste’ their recycling. There should also be an option to signpost to tangible information for those residents that wish to receive further material.

Further communication and resident engagement would be paramount to ensure a successful rollout throughout each phase and this included ensuring any material was easy to access and understand. Islington Council had Recycling Champions and it was queried whether the Council had similar local volunteers or whether local businesses could be assist in a similar process through advertising.  It was noted that there were programmes and schemes working with local schools and colleges to address recycling, however it was hoped the message could always be improved.  It was felt it would be beneficial to investigate whether the Junior Citizen event which covered ‘waste and the environment’ could be expanded further to cover ‘waste and recycling’.

The Panel queried whether new planning developments had the opportunity to ensure that recycling and waste disposal was established and future proofed with regards to Simpler Recycling and ease of access.  It was confirmed that major planning applications were commented upon by the Council’s Refuse and Recycling Team and subsequently documented in the application to be considered by the Planning Committee.

Query was sought as to the recycling reserve credits and it was confirmed that discussions were ongoing, but it was noted that WSCC would have increased costs with regards to food waste in terms of plant reconfiguration.

RESOLVED

That the Panel noted the report, with the views expressed being acknowledged by the officers for inclusion in the draft recommendations.