Agenda item

(a)          That the Scrutiny Committee notes the issues and challenges around the continued provision of the recycling bring sites and increasing costs for such a provision; and

(b)          That the Scrutiny Committee supports the proposed removal of the recycling bring sites across the county.

In presenting the report the Regulatory Services Manager provided detailed information on the purpose of the sites, collection rates achieved and their locations across the county.  Since they were established the successful kerbside recycling collection services had been introduced and there were now also 5 HRC sites for residents to use.  The Regulatory Services Manager confirmed that these sites supported the council’s recycling performance, but they were unmanned and unregulated sites and were abused with fly tipping incidents as the banks were only for glass and textiles.  Several of these sites were in public and pub car parks which enabled businesses, such as the hospitality industry, to dispose of their waste which was not their intention.   The Council’s Area Cleansing Team then had to clear the fly tipping waste, which was disposed of as black sack waste, and their costs were now increasing.  The council could not offset the costs by the glass collected.  Consideration was being given to this as there were several outlets providing the services in conjunction with the weekly successful kerbside operation for these residents to use.  Regarding textiles these could be taken to the HRC sites or residents could use the charity bags households received through their letterbox or use sites on social media.  There was also a bid currently with WG to pilot a doorstep collection service for textiles.

            Councillor Mike Peers asked why residents took glass to a bring site when it was collected at the kerbside and was it clear who was using these bring sites.  In response the Regulatory Services Manager explained these sites were unmanned so it was unclear which was business waste or whether residents brought these items.   There was no detailed information, and it was felt predominantly the waste was from businesses

            Councillor Richard Lloyd reported that he had witnessed fly tipping at his local sites and that if there was an increased cost to remove this then he was in favour of their removal, especially as residents were able to use the kerbside collections. 

            In response to a question from Councillor Mike Peers on textiles the Regulatory Services Manager confirmed textiles could still be deposited at HRC sites but that recommendations would also be made to residents to use local charities in their area too.  A comprehensive information pack would be provided to residents should these sites be removed

            Councillor Dan Rose asked if a study had been carried out for those areas which were not in a pub car park to see if there was an actual need for the site.  In response the Regulatory Services Manager reported a study had not been undertaken but if people wanted to travel to these sites there were alternatives to the kerbside collection at the HRC sites.

            Councillor Ian Hodge understood that currently textiles were not collected in the kerbside services but there could be people who were unable to get to the HRC sites.   He felt this should not be removed until there was an alternative in place for them to use.  In response the Regulatory Services Manager said there was always the option of charity shops to dispose of these items and that the funding bid to introduce kerbside collection was still with WG.  A comprehensive package providing alternatives which were nearby would be included for residents. 

            The Cabinet Member for Planning, Public Health and Public Protection commented that charity shops took textiles and there were regular bags through the door asking for donations.

            The Chair reported on incidents in his ward where bags were left outside charity shops and torn apart during the night.  He asked if Charity shops had a limit on the stock they could accept.   In response the Regulatory Services Manager explained that a survey had not been undertaken as regards capacity but said when the bid was being prepared the Charity shops were interested in small textile items such as clothing for re-sale in their shops.   Promotion of the HRC sites and hopefully kerbside collection service would be recommended to residents.

The recommendations as set out in the report was moved and seconded by Councillors Richard Lloyd and Dan Rose.

RESOLVED:

(a)          That the Scrutiny Committee noted the issues and challenges around the continued provision of the recycling bring sites and increasing costs for such a provision; and

(b)          That the Scrutiny Committee supported the proposed removal of the recycling bring sites across the county.