Agenda item

In accordance with the scrutiny scope document, to investigate new research,

technology and methods that could help improve recycling rates.

Proposals/suggestions from members of the Panel attached for discussion.

In accordance with the scrutiny scope document (key tasks), considered and discussed, new research, technology and methods that could help improve recycling rates, via proposals/suggestions from members of the Panel (item 7 on the agenda details these).

Key points of discussion:

(i)        Suggestion - take part in/promote campaign to prevent contamination of recycling by nappies.  Head of Cleansing and Open Spaces noted, could get more involved/look into that (also County Council work to promote reusable nappies, waste minimisation campaigns).  Possibility of promoting campaign on side of fleet and via social media. Nappies could be large proportion of residual waste for some families, also significant contaminant in recycling bins.   

(ii)       Suggestion – visual display of waste items and what bin they go in.  View that good visual, easy to understand, no language barrier.  Head of Cleansing and Open Spaces suggested good for street bins in key locations, could look at cost.  Currently looking at trial of compaction street bins, less frequent emptying, indicated when needed to be, positive carbon impact.  Noted, panel may wish to recommend trial of suggested visual display bin, prevention of contamination of recycling in street bins.  Noted, anticipated less recycling in street bins once deposit return schemes introduced, also less littering.  Visual display could be more useful to educate/inform than a paper leaflet, help use of correct bin both out and at home.  Also, increase awareness of what could be recycled in Borough.     

(iii)      Suggestion – publicity.  Importance recognised.  Key messages, effective methods.  Did not wish to add to waste in doing so.  Understanding psychology of what persuaded different people to participate.  Possible use of fleet lorries and social media channels already highlighted.  Information events, videos, competitions, work with schools particularly important.  Suggested that a recommendation of the panel could be that resources were committed to produce effective strategy around increasing recycling and reducing residual waste.  Contract with Serco provided £10k per annum for communications and some staff time could be allocated from Head of Cleansing and Open Spaces team.  Noted, had been in business continuity mode over past couple of years, hoped to focus more on communications moving forward.  Recognised, challenging environment over past couple of years, how hard Council and Serco staff had worked in that time.  Suggested, Borough wide schools recycling challenge.  Example given of zero residual waste challenge. Developing communications was supported.  

(iv)    Suggestion – scrap store and library of things.  Reduced residual waste and consumption, could also be more affordable.  Head of Cleansing and Open Spaces advised both would require partnership with suitable organisation in social/voluntary sector to progress.  Possible partners discussed, initial enquires could be made, Councillor Ward could do so with Transitions and Men/Women in Sheds, Councillor Forrest could do so with John Storer House.  Noted, investigating only at this stage, to assist the panel with any recommendations it might wish to include in its report.  Reference to repair shops (previously run by Transitions, Fearon Hall, similar group in Leicester City referenced by Councillor Needham, Leicester Hackspace, she could pass details to the Chair).         

(v)     Suggestion – items not collected in household recycling.  Small electricals, paint, printer cartridges, batteries, terracycle items. Was there scope for household recycling sites to accept such items? Only 2 currently accepted paint, Hamilton and Whetstone, distance to travel.  Donated nearly new paint could be purchased at Exaireo paint shop in Loughborough, but nowhere to donate if had surplus paint.  In response, Head of Cleansing and Open Spaces, paint longstanding issue for residents, raised with County Council over many years, hazardous waste, special storage arrangements, therefore at limited sites, issue would be raised again.  Some paint offered for reuse.  Small electricals were already accepted at household recycling sites.  As part of draft Leicestershire Waste and Recycling Strategy work, considering whether batteries, small electricals and textiles could be added to household collections.  Regarding terracycle items, Head of Cleansing and Open Spaces would investigate whether facilities might be provided at County Council’s household recycling sites and was therefore viable recommendation for Panel to make?  Noted, harder to recycle packaging should reduce with Government’s proposed Extended Producer Responsibility, outlined at last meeting.

(vi)    Suggestion – package free shops, assist provision of.  Zero waste shop already existed in Loughborough (Baxter Gate).  Should promote.  Query as to whether work being undertaken with markets to encourage less plastic, not known at this meeting.  Head of Cleansing and Open Spaces had met pre-pandemic with Surfers Against Sewage regarding Plastic Free Towns, might be useful to speak to again.  Understood there was a village in Charnwood that had taken up challenge, not known at this meeting, possibly Rothley.

(vii)   Suggestion – Olio app.  Should promote.  Head of Cleansing and Open Spaces stated this had been considered before, some conflict with Council’s food hygiene enforcement role.  Reference to other apps and sites that could reduce waste that might be appropriate for Council to promote/share information on.  Too Good To Go, Freecycle, Freegle, Preloved.

(viii)  Suggestion – food waste recycling using fly larva.  Suggested that anaerobic digestion would be more beneficial, produced compost and energy.

(ix)    Suggestion – publicity and suggestions from public.  Considered under (iii) above.

(x)     Suggestion – education/publicity regarding recycling, particularly in student areas.  Head of Cleansing and Open Spaces outlined partnership working on this with aim of minimising problems, enforcement was undertaken where appropriate.  Could be information overload for new students, first time householders, no easy solutions, ongoing effort.  Local councillors would be involved in plans, particularly for end of year.

Councillors Harper-Davies and Howe left the meeting prior to the conclusion of this item.

AGREED

1.         The suggestions and discussion be noted.

2.         Further consideration of this key task be scheduled for the next Panel meeting on 15th March 2022, to enable the Head of Cleansing and Open Spaces and councillors to report back on the investigations/enquiries agreed above, with a view to establishing suggestions that are viable as panel recommendations.