Issue - meetings

Report of Director of Service Delivery

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Jonathan Dow

(KEY) Part 1: (1) That the move to a fully co-mingled recycling collection system for dry mixed recycling from June 2019, subject to best value considerations be agreed in principle. (2) To delegate authority to the Director of Service Delivery, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Place Services, to develop and progress recycling disposal arrangements, either through a contract arrangement or through the Waste Disposal Authority.

Part 2: (1) That the introduction of an annual charge for the kerbside collection of garden waste from April 2018 be approved. (2) To agree the offer of a free compost bin as an alternative option to those householders who require one. The offer to be for a period of six months from April 2018.

The Cabinet considered the reports of the Director of Service Delivery regarding options for the future recycling service for Eastbourne Borough Council.

Part one asked Cabinet to consider moving to a fully co-mingled recycling collection method and part two asked Cabinet to consider introducing a charge for the collection of garden waste.

Visiting member, Councillor Wallis addressed the Cabinet on both reports. He commented on potential contamination and public confidence in a co-mingled service and risks associated with charging for garden waste.

In response to Councillor Wallis’ comments on co-mingling, the Director of Service Delivery advised that the recommendations were to agree in principle, and the Council would explore the costs of glass collected separately from the rest of the dry mixed recycling, should that be a more cost effective solution.

It was suggested and supported by the Cabinet to visit a nearby sorting centre, as it would be beneficial to allay any concerns members may have about co-mingling. The Director of Service Delivery also commented that nearby authorities such as Hastings, Lewes, Rother and Wealden had made the decision to collect co-mingled recycling.

In response to Councillor Wallis’ comments on a charge for garden waste, it was reported that the introduction of an annual fee for garden waste collection was a charge already implemented by most councils and this was detailed in the report. 

Resolved (key decision):

Part one:

(1) That the move to a fully co-mingled recycling collection system for dry mixed recycling from June 2019, subject to best value considerations be agreed in principle.

(2) To delegate authority to the Director of Service Delivery, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Place Services, to develop and progress recycling disposal arrangements, either through a contract arrangement or through the Waste Disposal Authority.

Reason for decision:

Timely consideration is required regarding the future shape of the service, in order that arrangements can be made to secure a disposal route for dry mixed recycling

Part two:

(1) That the introduction of an annual charge for the kerbside collection of garden waste from April 2018 be approved.

(2) To agree the offer of a free compost bin as an alternative option to those householders who require one. The offer to be for a period of six months from April 2018.

Reason for decision:

Timely consideration is required regarding the future shape of the service, considering the current financial context.