Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to report of the Team Manager Neighbourhood Services.

The Team Manager presented the report which provided an update of waste and recycling performance outcomes for 2019/20.

The Officer went through the report and highlighted points contained therein.  He said in 2018/19 the Council exceeded its WG Statutory Recycling Target for the first time.  This success was built on, and this year (2019/20) the Council had exceeded the new higher target of 64%, attaining 65.31%.  This was achieved through the hard work and dedication of the Waste Team, in partnership with WRAP, and with support from the Communications Team, Performance Team, Senior Management, the Leadership and most importantly the residents of Blaenau Gwent.  He said this year on year success has seen Blaenau Gwent move from 22^nd in 2017/18 to 11^th in 2019/20 when compared to all other Welsh Local Authorities. 

In response to a question raised by a Member regarding the garden waste collection, the Officer confirmed that the figure included the extended winter period collection, which was maintained through the winter with one vehicle.  However, the scope to increase garden waste was restricted due to the limited number of green spaces in the Borough and relatively small garden sizes.

In relation to the HWRC (Reuse), the Officer said whilst this was a small element of recycling it was intended to maximise this element and extend the service at the new facility at Roseheyworth. 

A Member said the improving figures were pleasing, but expressed concern regarding the Council’s ranking position, particularly with green waste.  He also asked whether any notification had been received from Welsh Government in terms of the potential for increased fines for 2020/21 due to the impact of COVID.

In response the Officer confirmed that no information had been received from Welsh Government in relation to penalties.  Whilst the targets were challenging, the recycling figure for 2019/20 was positive, and hopefully with the continued support from residents and hard work of the teams involved the same trend would be seen in 2020/21.

A Member referred to the increased target of 70% over the next 4 years, and asked whether the Council had the capacity to achieve this.

The Team Manager Neighbourhood Services confirmed that Officers were already engaging with WRAP advisors on ways to progress to 70% over the next 4 years.  The roll out of the Keeping up with the Jones campaign Borough wide would hopefully have an impact, and there were also other initiatives being considered in order to maximise recycling and achieve that target.  The situation would be closely monitored to ensure that everything was being done to achieve the target.

He confirmed that savings achieved through the reduction of residual waste was put back into the service to provide additional resources to continue with the kerbside waste enforcement, new recycling receptacles, and implementation of initiatives to increase recycling.

A Member commended the Department and the success of the kerbside recycling service and he felt this justified the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7