Report to follow
Minutes:
The Chair advised that there was no report. It was noted that neither officer had been made aware that the individual report should be produced, though the report has now been produced and will be circulated to members post-meeting.
On the 5 KPIs, the following was noted:
- Fly-tips collected within the timescale of 7 days is 91.7% against a target of 95%.
- Graffiti removal within 7 days is 91.9% against a target of 95%.
- 313 bins were missed per 100,000 bins collected.
- Recycling is 49%.
- 109kg of residual waste per household.
Cllr Timmis noted the charging of a fly-tipper in her ward and advised that she has received a report from a resident stating that there has been a major fly-tip in the middle of a lane. Cllr Timmis noted that she has also recently seen further fly-tipping and asked if they are seeing an increase in cases. TPugh noted that there is a relatively high number of fly-tips in Dacorum, though he was unsure if they could state that numbers are increasing. TPugh added that DBC does more enforcement around fly-tipping compared to any other council in Hertfordshire.
Cllr Timmis referred to the 313 missed bins and asked if this is due to crews changing. TPugh advised that the figure is for justified missed bins, noting that the figure of 320 for February breaks down to 112 grey bins, 106 blue, 12 green and 90 kerbside caddies.
Cllr Timmis commented on the green bins, noting that residents have stated that they have not received the leaflet and that bins were not collected. TPugh explained that they were let down by the leaflet distributors, though there were other methods of communication, and they are organising for more leaflets to be delivered as well as putting bin hangers onto bins.
Cllr Beauchamp commented on residual waste and asked if this refers to black bin waste or a combination of all bins. TPugh confirmed that this refers to black bin waste.
Cllr Foster asked how many residents registered for green bin collection after the first collection took place. TPugh confirmed that he could provide this figure, though there is currently around 14,000 subscriptions. TPugh added that they have reached their assumed number and are now above this.
The Chair queried the process to remove graffiti from private properties. TPugh stated that they notify the owner of the property and that they are asked to remove it or pay the council to do so.
Cllr Stevens provided an anecdotal report regarding a green bin out for collection without a sticker. Cllr Stevens stated that the owner knew the cost but was unsure of how to register and asked how they can encourage residents to phone up to register, noting that it is much easier to sign up online. TPugh advised that customer services have received a high level of calls, which has led to delays. There has been funding for an additional member of the team for the period, though two additional members may have been preferable.
Cllr Wyatt-Lowe commented on green bins and the intention to encourage people to compost more of their own rubbish at home. Cllr Wyatt-Lowe asked how much effort has been put into raising the profile of composting. TPugh advised that they continue to run campaigns and offers around composters, though the message may be lost in the wider reaction to the charges.
Cllr Taylor asked how long it currently takes for a green bin collection to be registered. TPugh advised that it should be received within 10 days following payment. Cllr Taylor asked if people could pay online and the lorry could be notified on a one-off basis that the resident has paid. TPugh advised that this could be done, though they want to make it clear for collectors that bins should not be collected if they don't have a sticker. TPugh referred to the level of publicity regarding green bin collections and that the terms and conditions state that a sticker must be on the bin before it is collected.
Cllr Stevens challenged the view regarding composting at home, noting that the amount of space that people have to compost is decreasing. Cllr Stevens noted that he has tried composting and has now abandoned food composting as it attracted rats. It was suggested that if gardens are decreasing then a smaller composter would be required.
Cllr England reflected that the Council is disrespecting residents by introducing the green bin subscription too quickly, noting that they know they will upset residents by doing it this way.
The Chair queried the current registration figures for green bin subscriptions. TPugh confirmed that they have already gone beyond the anticipated registration figures. The Chair acknowledged the teething issues and suggested that the registration figures show that the scheme has been successful.
Cllr Timmis noted that registrations were challenged due to putting out the leaflet distribution to a private company as a result of Royal Mail being on strike. Cllr Timmis commented that the first collection is over winter, when there will be less waste, and that she was unsure if rolling out the scheme more slowly would have resolved the issues.
Cllr England asked which company had distributed the leaflets and if it was the same company that had distributed the Local Plan draft several years ago. It was agreed that this could be looked into.
The report was noted.
ACTION: TPugh to provide further information on green bin collection registration.
ACTION: To look into whether leaflet distribution company have been used by DBC in the past.