Agenda item

Report of the Cabinet Member Clean and Green Environment

The Cabinet Member Clean and Green Environment presented the report, stressing that the borough council was committed to delivering long-term, sustainable environmental change. This required it to act proactively to make a significant difference and deliver positive environmental services in the town. He noted that the focus was on reducing residual waste, improving recycling (especially of food waste) and reducing plastic usage. This report sought to build on this positive record, and was broken down into three sets of recommendations. The first sought approval for the draft strategy which set out the vision for the future, and outlined the targets against which it will be measured. The strategy was in draft form due to the need for public consultation.

The second set of recommendations related to the revised Environmental Services Policy, which included a strengthening of the no side waste policy in order to reduce the residual waste stream. He explained that a small number of people were regularly putting out extra bin liners or overfilled bins, putting an extra burden on crews. Overfilled bins would no longer be picked up, although he stressed that the updated policy would be enforced through public education and engagement, with a stage process involving stickers and visits to give advice. The overall goal remained to reduce the amount of residual waste sent to Javelin Park.

He noted that the sorting of recycling boxes was still a cause for concern, particularly during the Covid crisis – posing a risk to crews who had to sort items into the correct boxes themselves. The new policy sought to encourage people to sort recycling when they could into separate boxes, and was similarly based around public engagement and education. It sought to also take into account the amount of space different people had on their properties. He added that the household recycling centre on Swindon Road must not be seen as a tip for residual waste when most things could be recycled. He stressed the importance of reducing residents’ reliance on black bin liners and residual waste.

The final key recommendation related to Ubico, which he praised for delivering a high quality service in a cost-effective way. Throughout the council’s contract with Ubico, a value for money exercise had been going on in the background, which concluded that the contract should be extended. He stressed that he supported this, and hoped that the high quality of service could be maintained over the next 5 years.

The Cabinet Member Economy and Development praised the focus on tackling climate change both at home and locally, while the Cabinet Member Healthy Lifestyles praised Ubico staff, particularly those responsible for the recycling centre and doorstep collections.

The Cabinet Member Climate and Communities added that as a public-facing service, it was important to communicate changes to local people so that they were aware what was happening. He was pleased that such an important service was getting proper scrutiny and support.

The Leader of the Council thanked officers for putting the report together, and stressed that it was key to maximise recycling and minimise residual waste. He added that 120,000 people making small changes would make a huge difference overall, and endorsed the extension of the Ubico contract.

The vote was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    The draft environmental services strategy 2020-2030 be approved, including the draft single use plastics strategy for public consultation and delegates authority to Managing Director Place and Growth, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Clean Green Environment, to further develop this draft strategy and an action plan, for  consideration by Cabinet in 2021 following public consultation;

2.    The revised environmental services policy supporting the authority’s recognition of the climate emergency be approved, particularly relating to:

2.1  Amendments to the no side waste and closed bin lid section as set out in the report at section 2.9

2.2  Introduction of the incorrectly presented/unsorted recycling box section as set out in the report at section 2.16

2.3  The reduction in single use black bags disposed of at the household recycling centre in Swindon Road to support removal of recycling from this waste stream over the next 12 months as set out  in the report at section 2.22

3.    The extension of the existing Ubico contract for the delivery of environmental services  be approved for the maximum period of 5 years and authority be delegated to the Managing Director, Place and Growth in consultation with the Cabinet Member Clean Green Environment to:

3.1  formally write to Ubico to implement the contract extension prior to March 2021 and to do such other steps as are necessary to carry out this recommendation and

3.2  to work with Ubico and other partner authorities to review and update the Ubico contract documentation in readiness for a longer term partnership/contract agreement with Ubico at the end of the 5 year contract extension or sooner if appropriate.