Issue - meetings

(i)            That the report be noted.

(ii)          That further steps in development of the recycling service for flats, schools and businesses be approved.

(iii)         The proposal to enter into a joint procurement for a contract to commence from April 2022 for the processing of dry recycling materials collected with the Staffordshire Waste Partnership (SWP) be approved.

(iv)         Cabinet place on record its thanks to all members of staff involved in the implementation of the new Recycling Service.

(v)          Cabinet place on record its appreciation of local residents’ patience during the transition phase to the new arrangements. 

Cabinet considered a report on the introduction of the new recycling service, subscribed garden waste service and proposed future developments for the development of recycling services for flats, schools and businesses.

The Portfolio Holder for Waste and Recycling, Councillor Trevor Johnson, explained how a decision had been taken to accelerate the introduction of the new service on a phased basis from the end of May to the middle of July.  The report outlined that communication with residents was important as the service swapped from a weekly collection to fortnightly.  In addition training and briefing sessions were undertaken with Customer Service and Operational staff.  The separate food waste service recommenced in mid-August.   The levels of take up for the garden waste collection service had increased to 52% of eligible households in 2020.  Councillor Johnson explained that the future service would focus on the service to flats, schools and commercial waste. 

Members welcomed the successful introduction of the new service, noting that few complaints were received and any issues were addressed swiftly.

Resolved: That:

(i)            The report be noted.

(ii)          The further steps in development of the recycling service for flats, schools and businesses be approved.

(iii)         The proposal to enter into a joint procurement for a contract to commence from April 2022 for the processing of dry recycling materials collected with the Staffordshire Waste Partnership (SWP) be approved.

(iv)         Cabinet place on record its thanks to all members of staff involved in the implementation of the new Recycling Service.

(v)          Cabinet place on record its appreciation of local residents’ patience during the transition phase to the new arrangements.