Agenda item

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Officer, Waste Management Services and the Head of Governance and Scrutiny Support which supports session 2 of the scrutiny inquiry.

The report of the Head of Service (Waste Strategy) provided the Board with an update on service standards and engagement with customers.

The following were in attendance:

·  Helen Freeman – Chief Officer, Environmental Action

·  John Woolmer – Deputy Chief Officer, Waste Management

·  Susan Hardy – Head of Service, Cleaner Neighbourhoods

·  Adam Quesne – Head of Customer Contact

·  Andrew Lingham – Head of Service, Waste Strategy

·  Matthew Birkett – Service Manager, Communities and Environment

·  Councillor M Rafique, Executive Member for Environment and Active Lifestyles

Key issues identified in discussions with the Board included:

-  Clarity regarding the clinical waste removal process.

-  Members referred to recent media coverage which suggested recycling bins could be withdrawn from certain areas of the city. Officers provided assurance that this was not an accurate media reflection of the report which had referred to two specific areas of the city where an opt-in scheme is in operation, recycling is still available for residents in those areas. Work was on-going with universities to promote an opt-in pilot, to encourage students to recycle.

-  Further collaboration with the Highways Team was suggested to alleviate issues with access. Clarity was sought regarding the use of traffic regulation orders and the impact this would have in the community.

-  Footpath obstructions caused by bins left out for 48 hours which impact on visually impaired residents. 

-  The use of in-cab technology, including the barriers which need to be overcome, to ensure its utilisation across the fleet.

-  The role of Community Committee environmental sub-groups in providing local ward members with updates.

-  Side Waste – Clarity was sought regarding the implementation of the policy for the collection of side waste in areas of alternate weekly collections. Members also questioned if side waste would be collected where a previous collection had been missed.

-  Clarity was sought regarding the types of bags used for mixed dry recyclables. Members noted inconsistencies in the information provided and how this is advertised.

-  Clarity was sought regarding the analysis of black and green bins to identify if there were any particular themes that the public need advice on. Members heard of difficulties in dealing with contaminated waste which impacts directly on recycling.

-  The enforcement options currently available to the Council and their effectiveness.

-  The need to re-evaluate the methodology for recording and reporting missed bin collections to Elected Members, the contact centre and the wider public.

-  The Board requested further details relating to the number of customer complaints received over the past 3 years, including a breakdown by type of complaint; the number of complaints resolved at each stage and referrals to the Local Government Ombudsman.

(During consideration of this item, Councillors: Akhtar, Cohen, Blackburn, Collins, Gabriel & Khan withdrew from the meeting for a short while)

RESOLVED- The Scrutiny Board (Environment, Housing and Communities):

A.  Noted the contents of the report and information provided at the meeting;

B.  Requested that the information outlined in the minute be provided as requested.