Issue - meetings

Report of Cabinet Member for Waste, Recycling and Public Realm

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    the introduction of a delivery charge for all waste and recycling receptacles, including garden waste bins is approved, with effect from Monday 5 August 2024, of £4.99 per item as set out in paragraph 2.5 of this report.  A reduced charge of £2.99 per item will apply to residents in receipt of benefits listed in 2.5 of this report.

2.    an increase in the cost of garden waste bags to offset increased collection costs from £17.50 for 10 bags with a £4 delivery charge to £25 for 10 bags with a £4.99 delivery charge as set out in (1) above is approved;

3.    the introduction of a charge for receptacles payable by developers for planning applications granted for new developments on or after 5 August 2024 as set out in paragraph 2.5 of this report is approved;

4.    the introduction of a charge for receptacles payable by landlords, including communal properties, from 5 August 2024, as set out in paragraph 2.5 of this report is approved;

5.    the introduction of a waste and recycling collection charge for Air B&B’s from 5 August 2024 is approved and authority is delegated to the Chief Executive to agree charges and take the necessary steps to implement the decision in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Waste, Recycling and Public Realm.

The Cabinet Member for Waste Services, Recycling and Public Realm began by saying that CBC has a fantastic and successful kerbside recycling scheme, but has to budget £210k per year for receptacles.  Looking for a sustainable solution, it is hoped that charging for new and replacement bins will reduce any unnecessary demand and  promote a more careful attitude resulting in fewer breakages and losses. with the added bonus of reducing the high environmental impact of plastic usage.  He confirmed that Ubico staff would be asked to be extra-careful when handling bins, and said that Stroud District Council has introduced similar charges, with careful monitoring of  the impacts and residents’ concerns confirming that recycling rates had remained high.

He explained the reasons for the various recommendations as set out in the report, and said that although the charges might not be popular with a lot of people, they were necessary for financial and environmental reasons, and he hoped that Members would support the recommendations.

In response to Members’ questions, he confirmed that:

-       replacement receptacles will be delivered by HVO-fuelled vehicles, using a zonal approach to ensure as few trips as possible;

-       other councils in Gloucestershire are already successfully charging for replacement receptacles, and Stroud District Council has been used as an example for CBC’s proposals;

-       new householders moving into a new housing developments in Cheltenham can expect housing developers to provide sets of bins free of charge.

There was no debate on this item.

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    the introduction of a delivery charge for all waste and recycling receptacles, including garden waste bins is approved, with effect from Monday 5 August 2024, of £4.99 per item as set out in paragraph 2.5 of this report.  A reduced charge of £2.99 per item will apply to residents in receipt of benefits listed in 2.5 of this report.

2.    an increase in the cost of garden waste bags to offset increased collection costs from £17.50 for 10 bags with a £4 delivery charge to £25 for 10 bags with a £4.99 delivery charge as set out in (1) above is approved;

3.    the introduction of a charge for receptacles payable by developers for planning applications granted for new developments on or after 5 August 2024 as set out in paragraph 2.5 of this report is approved;

4.    the introduction of a charge for receptacles payable by landlords, including communal properties, from 5 August 2024, as set out in paragraph 2.5 of this report is approved;

5.    the introduction of a waste and recycling collection charge for Air B&B’s from 5 August 2024 is approved and authority is delegated to the Chief Executive to agree charges and take the necessary steps to implement the decision in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Waste, Recycling and Public Realm.