The Chairman presented the report which updated Members on the current domestic waste and recycling collection service for recycling and the agreed process for the introduction of reusable recycling sacks for life across the district which would be rolled out from September.  A zonal approach using the existing collection rounds would be used, and the entire zone would be supplied before moving onto other areas. The current clear recycling sacks could continue to be used whilst waiting for delivery of the new reusable sacks, and once received they could be used immediately. Members were further advised that 57,000 sacks had been ordered which included 5,000 sacks as stock for residents who may require additional or replacement sacks, free of charge.

A cross departmental officer project group to manage all aspects of the reusable recycling sacks rollout had been set up and a full communication plan to ensure residents were ready for the new arrangements.  Around 5% of residents would continue to use the clear sacks going forward due to logistical issues but mostly were restricted to New Ash Green, Mobile Park homes and a small number of flats. All residents would be notified in writing during the roll out stage if they were to continue using clear sacks and these would continue to be provided free of charge.

Members discussed the report, asking questions of clarification of the Head of Direct Services. In response to questions Members were advised that the new reusable recycling sacks were not an ‘opt in’ service option, although clear sacks would still be collected. The new reusable recycling sacks needed to be used and were larger so held more recyclable materials than the clear sacks. It was stressed that should residents use their own sacks, they needed to be clear so the refuse teams could see what was inside the sacks to check for any cross contamination. If this was the case it had to go into the black residual waste side of the freighter. It was also clarified that residents did not have to put the new reusable recycling sacks out every week and thus it was not expected to take any longer to collect the recycling bags overall. It was highlighted that the importance of the larger sacks was to encourage recycling and reduce black sack residual waste.

As recycling were mostly lighter materials, it was not anticipated that there would be any manual handling issues. Many other local authorities also used this method for collecting recyclable materials and so the council was in a position to learn from their experiences. A lot of communication would be carried out in educating and reassuring residents over the new collection.

In response to a question regarding finances Members were advised that the purchase price of the bags were included in the budget and would create a saving of £200,000 from year 2 (2025/26.) The sacks were expected to last around 7 years before they would need to start to be replaced.

Public Sector Equality Duty

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

Resolved: That the progress and update as detailed in the report, be noted.