The Portfolio Holder for Cleaner & Greener presented the report which advised Members on the operational change to the waste and recycling collection rounds and proposed a new collection round working model. Members were advised that the Cleaner & Greener Advisory Committee had considered the same report, noting an issue with fly tipping, but nonetheless were in support of the proposals.

The Head of Direct Services advised that the reconfiguration of the rounds aimed to maximise efficiencies and reduce fuel and carbon emissions, whilst meeting weekly waste collection needs and delivering excellent customer service.

The collection round review had been undertaken within the context of significant changes to housing/population growth, road and traffic alterations across the District, and changes to equipment and vehicles. It was estimated that a more efficient and effective waste collection round would reduce the total amount of vehicles used, reduce fuel consumption and overall reduce the Council’s carbon footprint by approximately 5%.

The new collection round approach would give residents the same collection day for all waste services, garden, clinical, bulky etc. The new collection round approach would result in an estimated annual saving of £126,000.  In response to a question the Head of Direct Services explained that the new model would more easily allow rounds to catch up in the event of a missed collection day.  He explained his view that the proposals would bring about an improvement in service.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved: That the Waste & Recycling collection round review proposal, be approved.