Agenda item

To receive an update from the Chief Officer for Environmental Services on the future of waste services in Leeds.

The report of the Chief Officer Environmental Services provided the Scrutiny Board with an update on the Waste Strategy and the future design of waste services.

In attendance for this item were:

·  James Rogers - Director, Communities, Housing & Environment

·  John Woolmer - Chief Officer, Environmental Services

The Chief Officer presented the report:

·  This update followed previous updates to the Board received in 2021/22 and 22/23.

·  It outlined some of the challenges around national timelines for legislative changes and some of the potential financial implications of those challenges.

·  The report also provided an update on the refuse route review and a proposed kerbside glass collection trial.

In response to questions from Members the Chief Officer provided the following information:

·  The report had tried to capture the most likely options for future kerbside collections to meet new national requirements. It was acknowledged that there was not a ‘one size fits all’ and the service were looking at options for the different areas of the city. The challenges presented in areas of high density, terraced housing with little garden/drive space was given as an example of how alternatives to providing more bins would probably be needed.

·  The Board was advised that the route review will move more properties to alternate weekly bin collections (AWC) in those areas of the city that still do not have this service, subject to consultation with local ward members to ensure local support.

·  The Chief Officer suggested he meet with Ward Members, where alternate bin collections were not happening. The areas listed were Headingley, Hyde Park, Burley, Kirkstall, Woodhouse and Armley.

·  Members would shortly be receiving an email inviting them to look at maps of the proposed routes during August and September, with a view that the new routes would be implemented in Autumn. Information would be provided to ward members that highlighted which streets have been moved to AWC and included on “hard to access” routes, together with details on route future proofing for planned housing developments in the ward.

·  In response to a concern raised about the quality of wheely bins, it was explained that the contractor is appointed through a vigorous procurement process which shows their bins meet and usually exceed the industry standard required. It was noted that where bins do become broken there is a procedure for supplying new, replacement bins. Green bins are replaced free of charge, an admin fee is charged to supply and deliver replacement black and brown bins Members were advised that where a black or brown bin was broken during the process of emptying it there would be no charge to the resident.

·  It was acknowledged that the end of day reports had improved significantly in terms of the information provided. However, the service recognised that there were still improvements to be made in terms of all missed streets being recorded/reported and this was an ongoing priority for the service. It was the view that with the current investment in upgraded technology in all cabs the issue of missed bins and completion of end of day reports would be improved.

·  The service is aware that when there are particularly strong winds bins can be blown over, sometimes causing contents to spill. The service has investigated industry solutions for this with no practical, safe solution found. It was noted that positive feedback had been received from a local resident’s group in Guiseley the service had supported in developing a “storm warning” advisory bin sticker that encouraged the ‘huddling’ or sheltering together of bins when stormy weather is forecast in a localised places prone to high winds, 

·  With reference to Appendix B that provided high level financial modelling for possible future collection options, the Chief Officer offered to provide a further breakdown of the disposal costs in relation to food and garden waste.

·  The service is still working on its communication strategy ahead of implementing new routes and welcomed suggestions from Members. It was noted that the service has a legal responsibility to write to all residents in relation to changes collection dates. Information will be provided to those whose first language is not English in line with corporate guidance and advice.

·  Work was ongoing to train crews on issues such as ensuring pathways etc are not obstructed and bins are returned to the safest place. Objectives have been set through staff appraisals and work is being progressed to produce staff training and public awareness videos with the involvement of stakeholders in its creation.  

·  It was explained that due to the variations of bin collection days between waste streams and withing local areas, it is not usually possible to coordinate street cleaning activity to follow bin collection day. However, where it was possible, the benefit was clear and local resources allowed this did happen, with the Burmantofts and Harehills areas provided as an example.  The Chief Officer explained that another key objective of the refuse service/route review was to better align routes to the community committee boundaries. This is to improve relationships and accountabilities to Members, and to better geographically align refuse and cleaner neighbourhood team responsibilities around clean streets and improved recycling. It was noted that when glass collection is implemented, crews would ensure that any broken glass was cleared and removed from roads and footpaths.

·  The timescale for the commencement of the glass collection pilot is still 2023. However, the specific details of where the pilot will be rolled out in the four identified wards have yet to be finalised and ward members will be full involved those decisions. It was explained how there is very little nationally to learn from, particularly in helping with route modelling assumptions for customer take up and presentation rates. The Chief Officer stated that he wanted to make sure the trial was as prepared as possible before it started, but by the very nature of being a trial there would be some learning as it went along. The point that participation in the trial would be completely optional to households in the trial areas was made. The service was keen to provide a good evaluation of the glass collection pilot to inform future service planning and, by example, work has already been undertaken to gather good quality baseline information on current glass presentation levels in black and green bins.

·  Further information on actions and ambitions to increase ‘reuse and reduce’ in Leeds can be brought to a future meeting of the Board.

·  It is anticipated that there will be increased national demand for plant, vehicles, equipment and LGV drivers once the Government issues further detail about its specific expectations for new collections required under environmental legislation. The Chief Officer outlined the current lead times for the procurement of new vehicles, including the unique complexities involved in procuring and ensuring sufficient charging capacities for electric vehicles in what is still a developing market and technology. Members were assured these concerns have been raised directly with DEFRA and through routes including the LGA and LARAC. In light of these challenges, the Chief Officer’s view was a phased approach to implementing new requirements would be required across the country.

Members wished to express their gratitude for the work of staff in the service on behalf of those living and working in the city. Particular thanks were expressed for the work undertaken during the recent student changeover period.

The Chair thanked the officers for their attendance at the meeting.

RESOLVED - To comment on and note:

a) The updated national position in relation to implementing the national Resource and Waste Strategy and requirements set out in the Environment Act (2021), and how that affects the options available to deliver changes to how household waste is managed in Leeds;

b) The current national dates for the implementation of the new requirements on councils set out in the Environment Act (2021) and that could translate into options and a timeline for Leeds;

c) The proposed glass collection pilot;

d) The additional resources required to meet the recent changes made/announced in relation to how Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) waste is treated and plans to remove the ability for councils to charge for household “DIY” waste.

e) The update provided on the current refuse route review