Issue - meetings

The Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive:

1.     Noted the positive progress that has been made in relation to rolling out the full recycling service to flats such that in excess of 90% of properties in the borough have access to the service.

2.     Agreed the importance of continuing the rollout of a full kerbside recycling service to flats and properties with communal bin stores to maximise the amount of good quality recycling collected and to reduce the amount of waste sent for disposal.

3.     Noted the motion as presented to Full Council on 29 July 2021, and in response:

(a)  Agreed that the Waste & Recycling Team continues to work with landowners, landlords and occupiers to enable the introduction of full kerbside services wherever possible; and

(b)  Agreed to continue to work with Surrey Environment Partnership to deliver both local and countryside waste and recycling objectives

(c)   Rejects other elements of the motion.

Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Bramhall, introduced the report which was a response to the Council Motion: Roll-out of Recycling. At its meeting on 29 July 2021, Council resolved to refer this motion relating to progress on the Council’s full household recycling scheme to flats and communal properties in the borough.

Councillor Bramhall highlighted that:

·        Positive progress had been made since 2018 in rolling out full kerbside recycling services to flats and properties with communal bin stores.

·        More than 90% of properties in the borough now have access to full kerbside recycling service. Importance of continuing to offer recycling services to flats wherever practical.

·        Officers continue to work with landowners, landlords and occupiers to enable the introduction of new services to flats.

·        The Council will continue to work with Surrey Environment Partnership to increase recycling rates and reduce the amount of residual waste.

·        In Quarter 2 (July to September) of the financial year 2021/22, the highest ever quarterly recycling rate of 58.3% was achieved. 

·        The report set out practical and financial considerations which meant that pursuing other elements of the motion were not recommended.

Visiting Member, Councillor Essex, who moved the original Council motion, told the Executive that progress on the roll-out to flats had slowed which was disappointing; 6000 flats did not have full kerbside recycling services and at the current rate it could take many years to roll-out. Those who lived in private rented accommodation (with communal bin stores) and relied on improvements from landlords were sometimes at a disadvantage.

Following a discussion on equality implications for residents without kerbside recycling, Visiting Members were asked to put in writing a request for the equalities impact screening assessment which was referred to in the report (paragraph 36).

Councillor Bramhall responded that a number of flats did not have space to provide additional bin stores for residents or to make necessary adaptations. ‘Bring sites’ for residents to recycle locally had been provided for flats without full recycling services. The borough had more flats than any other borough or district in Surrey but offered a high performing service. The team continued to collect the huge increase in rubbish and recycling across the borough both during and post the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Leader noted that the waste and recycling team was in ongoing discussions with management companies and landlords who were willing to adapt properties to take kerbside recycling. He drew attention to the recommendations set out in the report. The Council was willing and committed to continuing to work to provide the recycling service to as many flats as possible. Members could also ask for the list of properties in their wards who do not have the recycling service so they could have constructive conversations with their residents.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive:

1.     Noted the positive progress that has been made in relation to rolling out the full recycling service to flats such that in excess of 90% of properties in the borough have access to the service.

2.     Agreed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6