Issue - meetings

(a)       That the outcome of the Wales Audit Office audit on Flintshire Household Recycling Centres be noted; and

(b)       That the recommendations from the report to improve recycling understanding and the working arrangements on Flintshire Household Recycling Centres be supported.

The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) presented a report on the outcome of the recent Wales Audit Office report on Flintshire  Household Recycling Centres (HRC’s).  The Chief Officer provided background information and referred to the survey, during April and May 2019, of HRC’s in Flintshire by the Wales Audit Office (WAO) to consider the Council’s current arrangements and performance against the vision set out in the Municipal Waste Strategy.  He advised that the report detailed the findings of the audit report and provided recommendations for service delivery in future years. 

The Chief Officer invited the Regulatory Services Manager to report on the key considerations, as detailed in the report.  In conclusion she advised that the WAO had reported that the Council was following a clearly set out vision, continued to invest in its HRC’s and had listened to service users to help it secure public satisfaction.  A recommendation to improve Flintshire’s residents understanding of recycling mirrored the outcome of the Council’s own public survey which took place during September/October 2019.  The WAO survey also highlighted the concerns of residents regarding the opening hours of HRC sites and had requested regular opening hours during the year.  It was  proposed that the opening hours remained the same throughout the year.  

Councillor David Evans commented on his experience of using a local HRC site and expressed some concerns around the site operation.  He welcomed the change in opening and closing times which would ensure consistency throughout the year.

The Chair commended the Chief Officer and his team on the wide range of recyclable and waste materials accepted at HRC sites.

Councillor Kevin Hughes also congratulated the Chief Officer on the Christmas recycling campaign which he said had been well promoted through social media etc.  Councillor Hughes commented on the issue of disposal of asbestos which was only available at Buckley and Greenfield HRC sites and expressed the view that this could result in fly-tipping of asbestos waste.  The Regulatory Services Manager explained that disposal of asbestos required an environmental permit which was only available at two HRC sites in Flintshire but could be reviewed in the future.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Ray Hughes and seconded by Councillor Andy Dunbobbin.

RESOLVED:

 (a)      That the outcome of the Wales Audit Office audit on Flintshire Household Recycling Centres be noted; and

(b)       That the recommendations from the report to improve recycling understanding and the working arrangements on Flintshire Household Recycling Centres be supported.