That:

1)        the sum of £288k for the purchase of the waterproof recycling bags be approved;

2)        the support of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee to the resolution made by the Executive at its meeting on 30 July 2020 be noted and;

3)        the proposed change for the recycling container from open black box to a closable waterproof recycling bag by the end of January 2021 be approved.

The Executive considered a report setting out a proposal to roll out waterproof recycling bags, to replace the current open black recycling boxes, to mitigate against the problem of wet paper and card.

When introducing the report the Executive Member for the Environment reminded Members of the reasons why the report was being considered, which included the changes that had occurred in the global recycling markets which meant that wet paper products were no longer accepted for recycling.  Because paper products were currently collected in an open box, and were therefore subject to becoming wet, much of the material collected since last winter had required to be disposed of at a greater cost.  Not only was this costing approximately £600k per annum but had a negative impact on the Council’s overall recycling rate of about 6%. 

Councillor Batth reiterated that it was proposed to supply every household in the Borough with a reusable waterproof bag in which to store and present all recyclable materials, including paper and card. 

Members were also reminded of the process that had been followed to get to this stage of the process which included approval of the funds to implement the solution on 30 July.  This decision was subsequently called-in and considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee on 26 August.  Following consideration of the matter the Committee supported the Executive’s decision.  Tonight consideration was being given to the procurement and use of the waterproof bags for subsequent implementation.

Councillor Dolinski mentioned that in the business case it stated that the unwanted black boxes would be collected however no costs were shown for the disposal of these boxes.  He queried therefore what the financial implication was and how much had been factored into the projected savings or gain of £403k?  Councillor Batth confirmed that it was estimated that the cost of collection and disposal of the black boxes would be approximately £28k and this had already been taken into account in this year’s budget; which was why no mention had been made in the financial implications of the report.  Councillor Batth advised that the intention was to recycle the boxes and turn them into benches which would include the names of some of those residents who had unfortunately passed away due to Covid-19.

The Leader of the Council advised that what was being proposed was an interim solution as the Council would be considering its long term waste and recycling strategy.  To this end Councillor Halsall advised that he would be inviting Liberal Democrat members to get involved with this ambitious project which he expected to lead to radical changes to the current process.

RESOLVED that:

1)        the sum of £288k for the purchase of the waterproof recycling bags be approved;

2)        the support of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee to the resolution made by the Executive at its meeting on 30 July 2020 be noted and;

3)        the proposed change for the recycling container from open black box to a closable waterproof  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18