A presentation will be given at the meeting.
Minutes:
Councillor Susan Southworth, Deputy Cabinet Member, Sustainable
Borough attended the meeting. She was accompanied by Glenn Stuart, Head of Waste Management. Councillor Southworth reported that she was at the meeting to explain the changes to the ways that bins would be collected across the borough and why the changes were necessary.
It was explained that the Council had to find savings of £16m for the 2015/2016 financial year and many options were being considered. The recycling figures had risen from 27% in 2011 to 47% currently but it was hoped that by encouraging more residents to recycle their waste more efficiently the percentage could be raised to 60% or more. This would then help to achieve a saving of over £1m and also help the borough to become greener.
The Council was paid £25 per tonne for green bin waste (paper and card) and £25 per tonne for blue bin waste (glass, plastics and metal) it also raised income by producing compost from the brown bin waste (garden and food waste).
The new collection rounds would commence in the second week of October and all residents would see a change to their current service.
Brown bins would be emptied every two weeks, blue and green bins would be emptied every three weeks as would the grey bin. The days on which the bins were emptied would also change for some residents.
It was explained that all of the information relating to the days on which the bins would be emptied was currently being delivered to every household in the borough along with information on what to put in each bin.
Currently a lot of what was put into the grey bins could be recycled but wasn’t being. Councillor Southworth explained what materials should go in which bins.
If residents were unsure how they could recycle more, or were concerned about waste such as nappies and other similar products they could ask for a waste audit to be carried out. This would involve a member of the waste management team visiting them to talk through their needs and advise on the scheme.
It was also explained that extra blue and green bins could be requested and would be provided free of charge. Extra grey bins were also available but would incur a £30 administration and delivery charge and the householder would be assessed for need before one was supplied.
If a household had downsized to one of the smaller capacity bins they could request going back to a larger size grey bin and this would be free.
It was asked that all residents tried to recycle as much as possible before requesting a change of bin or extra bin as they may find that by following the scheme, they wouldn't actually require one.
Councillor Southworth also explained that all of the information was available on the Council website and the new collection day information was also available on line. There would also soon be the option to receive e-mail reminders of deliveries and residents would be able to sign up this shortly.
Those present were given the opportunity to ask questions and make comments and the following points were raised:
· Brenda Headley asked why the days for collection were changing.
Glenn Stuart, Head of Waste Management explained that currently crews worked over the whole of the borough and this would be changing so that each area only had two crews. It was anticipated that this would provide more ownership to the rounds and allow the crews to build relationships with their customers. This would then see an enhancement in the service provided.
· Mr Green asked why the bin men did not return the bins to where they had been left.
Glen explained that this was something that was expected and if it wasn't happening it should be reported. With the changes to the way the crews worked it was hoped that this type of complaint would stop.
· Mr Booth reported that there were still some areas of the borough that didn't have brown bins and were having to use the grey bins for all food waste. He asked what would be done about this situation.
Councillor Southworth explained that since the changes had been announced over 1000 brown bins had been requested and delivered. Residents who still did not have a brown bin could request one free of charge and if they felt a full sized one was too big they could request one of the smaller brown bins.
· Mr Booth also explained that he had never had a green bin for paper and card as he used to recycle through the scouts. This had now stopped. Mr Booth asked whether he would be able to request a green bin and if so whether he would be charged.
Councillor Southworth confirmed that he would be able to do this by telephoning the Customer Contact Team on 0161 253 5353 and a green bin would be supplied free of charge.
· Dr Falmai Binns referred to the types of plastic which were recyclable and the fact that yoghurt pots were not and asked if this would change.
Councillor Southworth explained that the type of plastic that yoghurt pots were made from was not within the scheme due to the fact that it wasn't worth much when recycled. There were currently requests being made to manufacturers and supermarkets to consider the type of packaging they used and the amount as it was felt that this would have an impact if packaging were changed and reduced.
· Councillor Hussain suggested that information stickers could be sent to help identify what should go into each bin.
· Councillor Hodkinson asked whether there was any provision for batteries and cooking oil.
It was reported that batteries could be taken to the waste recycling sites and some supermarkets also offered a facility for recycling. Cooking oil could not be collected from residential properties but residents were advised to deposit it in a sealable container and place it in the grey bin.
· Councillor Gunther asked who would take responsibility if a grey bin was stolen. It was explained that some residents did not have enough space to store their bins so had to leave them where the public could access.
Glenn explained that residents were encouraged to take ownership of their bins but if one was stolen it would be up to them to purchase a replacement.
· Mr Green asked who would be responsible if a bin was broken.
Councillor Southworth explained that the circumstances would be looked at and it would depend on how the bin had been damaged.
· Brenda Headley asked whether new houses were provided with bins.
Councillor Southworth explained that the council did not have an obligation to provide the bins free of charge and the Council were asking home builders to provide them for the new residents.
It was agreed:
That Councillor Southworth and Glenn Stuart be thanked for their attendance.