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The Committee considered the Director of Customer Services report which provided Members with an update on current performance of Environment Committee measures for the third quarter of 2016/17 (Oct-Dec) where progress is assessed against targets which are set at the start of the financial year.
Councillor Waters - Bunn asked in relation to refuse collections and why on some rounds both the black and green bins were emptied together, and she was advised that within the areas of communal bins if refuse collectors find a recycling bin that has been heavily contaminated, this will then be emptied with the normal residual round to allow residents to begin recycling again appropriately. With normal 240litre wheeled bins, if the green bin is found to be contaminated a sticker is attached and the bin not emptied. Environmental services are then advised and a visit is made to the householder to talk about recycling. However, Members were advised that contamination within communal bins remain a big issue to the refuse collection rounds and this is an area that will be targeted in the drive to reduce contamination rates overall.
The Group Manager, (Environmental Health) reported that it was hoped that a re-introduction of a second Waste Communications Officer within Environmental Services would help to reduce the percentage in contamination by working to re educate residents which had proved successful previously.
Councillor Wright raised concern in relation to the contamination of bins occurring once residents have placed recycling bin out for collection. The Group Manager, (Environmental Health) asked for details of the location of occurrence and stated that this issue would be addressed.
Councillor Carpenter made reference to Bin locks and suggested that previously these have been used as a method of reducing contamination. The Director of Customer Services advised of a scheme to " Change the Lid" that is being used as a measure to reduce contamination around communal bins.
The Group Manager, (Environmental Health) advised that soiled nappies remained one of the largest contaminates. Councillor Carpenter pointed out the need for new parents to be made aware, and she was advised that it was hoped a package could be delivered through to Doctors, GPs and hospitals to advise parents. Members discussed the issue of the need for appropriate outer packaging labels to raise awareness of correct disposal.
Councillor Hacon asked whether there was an Environmental Officer who attended local schools to raise awareness, the Group Manager, (Environmental Health) stated that the Waste & Recycling Communications Officer had undertaken some work with schools, however it was hoped this would increase upon appointment of a second Waste Communications Officer.
Councillor Annison made reference to Garden Waste Services and asked when it was hoped this would be digitalised to enable Direct Debit Payments, and he was advised that this matter would be addressed in the near future as part of the Borough Council's digital roll out.
RESOLVED :
That all measures be monitored during the next quarter.