Issue - meetings

(Environment Portfolio Holder) To consider the attached report (C-059-2009/10).

That the policy on loss or damage of waste management containers be adopted, subject to the following amendments:

(a)        clause 2(c) to be reviewed and deleted for the time being; and

(b)        clause 2(d) to be amended to read “…than in 2(a) to 2(b) above…”.

The Environment Portfolio Holder presented a report regarding the adoption of the Waste Management Policy for Lost or Replacement Containers.

The Portfolio Holder reported that the Cabinet at its meeting in September 2009 had adopted a number of waste management policies and noted that further policies would be submitted for approval in the future. The latest policy for adoption was concerned with lost, damaged or stolen containers. The Portfolio Holder noted the comment of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding clause 2(c)(i) of the policy (minute 101 refers) but reassured the Cabinet that each individual case would judged on its merits, with the policy providing a set of guidelines. The Director of Environment & Street Scene added that the cost of replacing a standard wheeled bin was approximately £30, and that the Council was only concerned with covering its costs, not making a profit.

Further comments were made regarding the clauses 2(c)(i) and 2(c)(iii) within the policy and the Portfolio Holder requested that the policy be adopted for the time being but without clause 2(c), which would be reviewed by Officers.

Decision:

That the policy on loss or damage of waste management containers be adopted, subject to the following amendments:

(a)        clause 2(c) to be reviewed and deleted for the time being; and

(b)        clause 2(d) to be amended to read “…than in 2(a) to 2(b) above…”.

Reasons for Decision:

To comply with the requirements of Cabinet on 7 September 2009 and to implement the policy required for dealing with lost or damaged waste containers

Other Options Considered and Rejected:

To not adopt the policy or to adopt the policy as set out in the report including clause 2(c).

(Environment Portfolio Holder) To consider the attached report (C-032-2009/10).

(1)        That the new waste management policy statements numbers (1) to (6) be agreed and adopted;

(2)        That waste management policy statement number (7) and specifically the arrangements therein for dealing with requests for additional garden waste capacity be agreed and adopted; and

(3)        That the future consideration of further policies relating to lost, damaged and stolen containers, and policies relating to flats and communal buildings be noted.

The Environment Portfolio Holder presented a report regarding the proposed new Waste Management Policies.

The Portfolio Holder reported that the Council had introduced a number of waste management policies following the implementation of the original wheeled bin service, which had dealt with issues around the size of containers, closed lids and contamination. With the implementation of the new waste management service in September 2009, it was essential that these policies were reviewed and amended to reflect the new service and current operational circumstances. It was highlighted to the Cabinet that policy statement number 7 – the Exception Policy – had been further revised in respect of a second food and garden waste wheeled bin for larger residences and had been re-issued on a supplementary agenda. Food waste wrapped in newspaper would be accepted if compostable bags were not available.

In response to queries from the members present, the Director for Environment & Street Scene emphasised that initially the Council was attempting to be strict initially about using the correct container for the correct waste. There was a health & safety issue regarding the collection of wheeled bins with partially opened lids, however it was hoped that common sense would prevail at the time of collection. Policy statement number 5 would be amended to make clear that dry recyclables would be collected provided it was within a clear plastic sack and not necessarily the official sacks supplied by the Council. The late revisions to policy statement number 7 were welcomed by the Cabinet, and it was noted that further waste management policies would be forthcoming in due course.

Decision:

(1)        That the new waste management policy statements numbers (1) to (6) be agreed and adopted;

(2)        That waste management policy statement number (7) and specifically the arrangements therein for dealing with requests for additional garden waste capacity be agreed and adopted; and

(3)        That the future consideration of further policies relating to lost, damaged and stolen containers, and policies relating to flats and communal buildings be noted.

Reasons for Decision:

To implement new and amended waste management policies in time for the introduction of the new waste service in September 2009. It was critical to the success of the new scheme that residents, the contractor and waste management officers had a clear set of operational polices agreed and in place.

Other Options Considered and Rejected:

To retain the existing policies, amend the proposed policies or manage the service with no policies in place.