Agenda item - Communal Recycling

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Agenda item

Communal Recycling

Report of the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

 

Decision:

1.                  That Committee notes the outcome of the communal recycling consultation

 

2.                  That Committee approves the roll out of communal recycling across the streets in the central parts of the city listed in Appendix 1.

 

Minutes:

10.1         The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing that sought permission to introduce communal recycling in the city centre based on the results of the recent consultation on the matter.

 

10.2         Councillor Mitchell noted the report indicated the measures would result in a citywide increase of just 3% which was a return to 2008 levels. Councillor Mitchell queried why the consultation literature asked respondents whether they would use communal recycling bins rather than if they supported their introduction. Furthermore, Councillor Mitchell noted her concerns regarding the sparse positioning of glass bins and if that might lead to glass being placed in refuse bins. Councillor Mitchell asked if there had been any consultation with the cityclean workforce on potential job losses and/or weekend working.

 

10.3         The Head of Strategy & Projects replied that the trial in Brunswick & Adelaide represented a small portion of the city and the 70% increase in rates was specific to that area. If accepted, the proposals covered a much larger area and an approximate 3% rise in recycling rates was predicted. The Head of Strategy & Projects added that the positioning of glass bins had always been problematic- if the bins were too close to households then there were noise pollution complaints and if they were positioned further away, distance became an issue. The Head of Strategy & Projects added that, during the trial, the bins had been moved in order to find the ideal position, that flexibility could be continued in a citywide scheme. The Head of Strategy & Projects supplemented that there were currently 9 full-time equivalent staff currently and it was intended to use 6 over time. There had been no consultation with staff on the policy issue as the scheme was awaiting approval from the Committee and impact on employees terms and conditions would not change as result of communal recycling. Consultation with staff was still ongoing regarding changes to their work patterns and pay.

 

10.4         Councillor Janio enquired if the cost of new trucks had been factored in to costings of the scheme.

 

10.5         The Head of Strategy & Projects replied that the expenditure on new fleet and new bins had been factored in to the costings.

 

10.6         Councillor Theobald stated that he was pleased to be associated with the scheme as he had originally signed the first application and he welcomed the grant from central government. Councillor Theobald noted that he hoped the impact on car parking spaces could be monitored and the scheme adapted to increase spaces wherever possible.

 

10.7         Councillor Hawtree stated that he was encouraged by the proposals that he hoped would lead to an increase in recycling rates in order to counter the recent decline. Councillor Hawtree also hoped it would ultimately lead to a culture change in awareness of waste.

 

10.8         Councillor Sykes stated he found the opposition Members claims unusual as they had instigated very few schemes in power whereas the current administration had been quick to propose such measures. Councillor Sykes relayed that recycling rates and contentment with the scheme in the Brunswick & Adelaide ward had continued.

 

10.9         Councillor Cox welcomed the scheme and the associated funding from government which he hoped would increase recycling rates and be more efficient. Councillor Cox asked if the loss of spaces might be offset by the opening of Norton Road car park to residential parking, a scheme he had previously suggested.

 

10.10    Councillor Davey stated that the trial in Brunswick & Adelaide had clearly demonstrated all round improvements and he hoped this would be reflected to the benefit of the city with this scheme.

 

10.11    Councillor Janio congratulated the administration for pursuing the scheme that he was sure would result in a increase in recycling rates. Councillor Janio stated that he did not agree with food waste and he hoped the administration would allow the proposed scheme to ‘bed-in’ before they pursued another project.

 

10.12    Councillor Mitchell stated that the Labour & Co-operative Party would be supporting the proposals and accepted the scheme as an efficient and convenient way of removing waste. Councillor Mitchell added that she hoped the scheme would be monitored and that the awareness campaign continued.

 

10.13    The Chair agreed adding that the improvements in communication with residents on the issue of recycling would be pursued. The Chair stated that the council would also be working with specific communities where recycling rates were low.

 

10.14    RESOLVED-

 

1.                  That Committee notes the outcome of the communal recycling consultation

 

2.                  That Committee approves the roll out of communal recycling across the streets in the central parts of the city listed in Appendix 1.

 

Supporting documents:

 


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