Agenda item

To report the key outcomes of the kerbside glass recycling pilot scheme which has been in operation since November 2020 and to recommend the next steps for this scheme and the estimated costs for rolling-out a kerbside glass collection service across the county. The report will also highlight how the roll-out and timing for this enhanced glass recycling service will be dependent upon the outcome of the latest consultation exercises undertaken as part of the Government’s new Resources and Waste Strategy and provision of new burdens funding by the Government.

The report presented the key outcomes of the kerbside glass recycling pilot scheme in operation since November 2020 and recommended the next steps for the scheme.  (A copy of the report is enclosed with the signed minutes.)

Paul Jones, Service Director – Local Services, commented that the kerbside glass recycling trial had achieved an average annual yield of 72kg per household compared to an anticipated 41 kg per household.  He explained that it had been anticipated that the scheme would have an impact on glass collection at bring sites.  However, the Covid-19 pandemic and closure of hospitality venues earlier in the year had resulted in a 22% increase in glass collection at HWRC’s and bring sites, which meant the impact of the trial on diversion rates from these facilities could not be determined.

It was therefore proposed to extend the trial until 31 March 2023 in order to provide a more accurate baseline and improve confidence in the data.  There was also capacity to increase the number of households participating in the trial from 1000 to 1200 at each of the four locations.  This would improve the value and productivity of the pilot.

Confirmation of new burdens funding for local authorities was expected by the end of 2022 with enhanced kerbside recycling collection services required in an Environmental Bill to come into effect in 2023/24.  Collection of good quality glass material with low contamination meant that the material being collected could be used for remelt.  This was environmentally beneficial, offering a positive carbon impact which outweighed the transportation activity.

Councillor Riddle, Portfolio Holder for Local Services, expressed his support for the initiative which had been well received by residents using the service.  Unfortunately, it was not possible to roll the scheme out county wide until funding was made available by the Government.

The following information was provided in answer to questions from members:

·        Benchmarking information had been obtained from the Waste and Recycling Action Programme (WRAP).

·        Modelling work in 2019 considered the changes required to meet obligations to collect a broader range of dry recycling at the kerbside including glass and also potentially food waste.  A separate trial for the collection of food waste was also being actively considered.

·        The Council had made a significant investment in wheeled bins, refuse collection vehicles and the sorting plant which were working extremely well in Northumberland resulting in high quality recycled material.

·        The 800 additional homes were located next to the existing pilot areas in order to maximise return and reduce travelling time between the routes and the disposal site.

·        The Government had been consistent in its messaging in that new burdens funding would be provided to local authorities to enable increased kerbside recycling services.  To expand the service now would place a significant additional financial burden on taxpayers with an estimated £1.25 million in annual revenue costs and £4.2 million capital costs for vehicles and containers for the glass collection which would rise for a separate food waste collection and a broader range of dry recylable material.  The Government’s strategy extended producer responsibility obligations and taxation on manufacturers and retailers of packaging materials.

·        Discussions were being held with planning officers regarding provision of recycling areas in new developments.  Some locations and residential properties did not have space for wheeled bins and therefore alternative solutions needed to be considered such as communal glass bins or localised bring sites.  It was expected that the number of bring sites would be reduced.  Sack based collections were accepted as an acceptable method of refuse collection where there was no alternative.  A further trial was planned in the Hirst area to improve the containerisation of waste.

·        Deposit return schemes were also being considered for beverage cans and bottles at high density locations via reverse vending machines.  The merits of these were more controversial due to bureaucracy, increased costs and duplication of resource and effort.

·        The extra collections were being undertaken by staff in receipt of overtime.

·        The extended trial period would allow the collection of robust data which would enable the Council to lobby Government for the funds required to provide the service.

Members made the following comments:

·        The officers and staff were thanked for the update and working overtime to enable the pilot scheme to run.

·        Wheeled bins for glass collection were preferred from a manual handling and safety aspect as it meant that heavy boxes did not need to be lifted to chest height.  It was accepted that they were convenient for some residents whilst inconvenient for those with storage issues.

·        Residents could choose how often the bins were presented to be emptied.  The material could be washed, did not give an unpleasant odour and therefore smaller households may not need them emptied as frequently.

·        Reference was made to reduce, reuse, recycle principle and the preferred order of priority.

RESOLVED that, subject to the comments above, the Cabinet be advised that the Committee positively supported the recommendations in the report.