Issue - meetings

C Thorpe introduced the report to members and ran through the highlights:
- the food waste trials in flats is almost complete. 1600 properties across the borough were involved. Residents have been written to and ask to complete an online survey about their experience and these results will be analysed.
- the clothes swap event was very successful with 60% of items swapped.
- the new dog bin operative has done a lot of work in mapping where the bins are in relation to general litter bins. Parish Council bins will now be emptied as part of their rounds.
- The Splash Park was opened and has proved very successful and staff have been recognised on social media.
- there is an increase in missed bins in the performance data. This is due to a number of vacancies and agency staff.

Councillor Matthews asked if other councils have looked into the loss of revenue and if any alternative solutions will be shared. Will there be a strategy review in light of current waste costs?
C Thorpe said they are always looking at ways to improve. Some authorities in the Herts Waste Partnership can play the market to get a better deal but DBC are tied into a contract. However, DBC have benefitted from higher prices in the past under this contract.

Councillor Matthews said there was always some confusion in Berkhamsted about bin collection days and what bin should be collected. He asked if the calendars would be reissued.
C Thorpe said the bin collection calendar was available on the website. The bin calendar for 2019 will be distributed to properties at the end of November. The cost to print these calendars and distribute cost £9k.

Councillor Birnie said he was pleased to see that the trial for flat recycling had gone well. He asked why the focus was on newer flats?
C Thorpe said a cross section of flats was used. There are 8,000 flats with no ability to recycle.

Councillor Marshall said the food trial lasted for three months over three areas. The comingled recycling will be provided through wheelie bins held in metal frames. In October, wheelie bins will be rolled out for flats that currently have no facilities.

Councillor Hicks asked if this would save money.
C Thorpe said it would cost money but the environment is the driving factor here.

Councillor Hicks said he had been contacted by residents who have reported missed bins or waste left by bin lorries but the council do not respond to say they have cleared it up.
C Thorpe said there are about 120 missed bins a week and it would be a huge resource to have to respond to every resident.
Councillor Harden said residents can log issues on the resident’s portal and they can check the status of the issue online.

Councillor Anderson said that the Splash Park had been a huge success.

Outcome

That the Strategic Planning & Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee approve the report.