Agenda item

C Thorpe introduced the report. He stated that the quality of waste collected continues to be excellent at 98% and Dacorum is producing the best waste of out of 29 disposal authorities. The new waste collection calendars have gone out and have included the green bin collection which has gone down well with residents.

Social media has been used well and more time has been spent on daily updates to encourage recycling. In October, there were 40 posts advertising food waste disposal and in December, social media was used to promote Christmas collections with the bank holidays.

After Christmas, the department held its 20^th annual Christmas tree recycling event and processed 3,300 trees to shred into chippings and 11 tonnes went to composting. The department has also been working closely with Network Rail to cut down trees which have been turned into seating for play areas across the borough.

C Thorpe said that sickness has been decreasing month on month. There have been some retirements and resignations from those staff that have been on long term sick leave. Six return to works were completed late and the rest were completed within 2.5 days of the staff member returning.

Comingled waste collected has decreased slightly but food waste has increased. Obviously due to the suspension of green bin collections, the amount of green waste collected has decreased.

Councillor Ashbourn questioned the high sickness level for just three members of staff in the vehicle repairs department.

C Thorpe said that unfortunately the youngest member of the crew was involved in a car accident and has not yet returned to work.

Councillor Matthews referred to the fluctuations in the figures for food waste collection. He asked if this could be a seasonal issue or are residents getting better at recycling.

C Thorpe said they have experienced two dips in food waste collection. In June, the caddy liners ran out so it was considered this was a reason for the dip. However, now plastic carrier bags can be used in the food waste caddy. Last month, ‘No Food Waste’ labels were placed on all black bins to encourage residents to place their food in their green caddy. The week after, the crews collected 56 tonnes more food waste.

Councillor Marshall also pointed out that the quarter included Christmas so more food waste would be expected.

Councillor Tindall questioned the different quarters being used. He stated that it seemed the calendar year was being used instead of the financial year.

D Austin said that he would check if this was an error but stated that the financial year should be used.

Councillor C Wyatt-Lowe said although she was pleased to see more food waste being collected, there should be a campaign to prevent such a high wastage of food. Councillor C Wyatt-Lowe asked if this was earning any money.

C Thorpe said there was a difference in the cost of disposal. It costs £94 a tonne to send to landfill and just £30 a tonne to an AD plant.

Councillor C Wyatt-Lowe said she was pleased to see an indirect saving.

Councillor Fisher asked what a justified missed bin was and what will happen when charges are brought in.

C Thorpe said this was a bin that was genuinely missed by the crews. C Thorpe did not think that situation would change when charges are brought in.

Outcome

The Strategic Planning and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted the report.