Agenda item

1.     That the results of the food waste trial for flats be considered.

2, That the introduction of food waste collections from flats on a phased basis for completion by March 2020 be approved. 

 Decision

1. That the results of the food waste trial for flats be considered.
2. That the introduction of food waste collections from flats on a phased basis for completion by March 2020 be approved. 

Corporate objectives

To provide a clean, safe and green environment

Monitoring Officer/S.151 Officer comments

Monitoring Officer:  

No comments to add to this report.

Deputy S.151 Officer

The ongoing revenue and capital funding requirement for the roll out of food waste collection from flats in 2019/20 has been included in the 2019/20 budget proposals, seeking council approval in February 2019.

The 2019/20 revenue budget proposes funding the one off £61k implementation costs from the management of change reserve, as this project meets the criteria for these funds.

The additional £7k in 2020/21 will be included in the 2019 Medium Term financial strategy.

Advice

Councillor Marshall introduced the report which is recommending the introduction of food waste collection from flats from April. A Task & Finish Group worked on this for a couple of years with the aim to improve recycling facilities in flats. They determined that dry recycling facilities should be rolled out throughout the borough and this is due to be completed next month. They were also eager to see food waste collections implemented and householders have had this facility since 2014. There were a number of practicalities that needed to be considered like ensuring the bins were accessible for both residents and the refuse crew. There was a three month trial with 12 collections taking place between July and September in Berkhamsted, Grove Hill and Pelham Court. This totalled 1540 flats which represented 15% of flats in the borough. Letters and information were delivered to residents along with kitchen caddies and caddy liners. Stickers were placed on communal bins reminding residents what could and could not be put into the bins. One tonne of food waste was collected a week which equalled 0.5kg per flat per week. The food waste was checked for contamination and it was found to be low. There was 6% contamination in Berkhamsted and 13% in Grovehill and Pelham Court. Food processors will take up to 20% contamination so this is lower. There was a 95% participation rate in Berkhamsted and 88% in Grovehill and Pelham Court. The purchase of caddies and putting on extra crews totalled £16,600. If this is to be rolled out, the revenue cost will be £61k. SPAE OSC have considered the results and are wholly supportive.

D Austin added that the government have put a clear and strong emphasis on separate food waste collections due to the significant environmental benefits.

Councillor Elliot asked if the food waste caddies would be left inside the flats.

Councillor Marshall said yes. The flat dweller would then take the bin to the larger wheeled bin to empty it.

Councillor Griffiths said she felt it was important to roll this out to flats and they shouldn’t be treated differently to households.

Councillor Williams commented that the trial was popular and there is a push from government to ensure all councils are providing this service.

Voting

None.