Agenda item

The Panel gave consideration to a report relating to the mobilisation and transformation of the new waste and recycling contract which commenced on 5^th March which saw major operational changes introduced on the first day of the contract, being operated by SUEZ, including:

·         The change to a fortnightly blue bin recycling service;

·         The change to 4 day working week – Tuesday to Friday - 10 hour days;

·         New routes based on ward boundaries for all services;

·         The implementation of in-cab technology to replace paper based round information sheets;  and

·         New vehicles for all services.

The following areas were addressed by Members:

Missed collections – In response to queries relating to Appendix 3, raised, it was explained that the increase in missed collections in March 2018 related to initial teething problems following the introduction of new ways of working, new collection days and re-routing collection rounds.  It was also stressed that the country suffered severe weather with the “Beast from the East” which arrived on the Wednesday before the new contract was due to start on the following Monday.  It was noted that waste collection vehicles would always struggle in snowy and icy conditions particularly causing health and safety implications for both staff and vehicles.

It was explained, in response to a Member’s concern that if they were aware of, for example the green boxes not being collected at the same time of the blue bin but being left, then this should be reported as a missed bin.

Performance targets - The Panel was made aware that there were set targets within the contract and deductions could be made for certain issues unless they were outside the contractor’s control.

Saturday collections – these were classed as dropped days, for example, missed work moved to the next day.

New vehicles and technology – had been provided for all services, with an integrated IT system.  There were a number of vehicle breakdowns within the first 8 to 9 weeks of the new contract, but the early teething problems had been resolved.   Again, these two factors had an impact on the number of missed bins and dropped day collections.

Pull out service – it was acknowledged that there had been an issue with the new IT system which had created a conflict of information, therefore, a manual check on information required for the service was being undertaken.

Blue Bins – with regard to the loss and damage to the blue bin lids, it was Members opinion that it was the pins holding the bin lid to the bin body that were breaking, thus creating the problem.  It was noted that crews were reporting where new lids were required and staff were raising orders and replacing lids as quickly as possible.  Unfortunately the bin collection operatives did not have the time to repair the recycling bins during their rounds.

Toby bins – it was explained that steps were being taken to try to reduce the use of black sacks as much as possible.  It was noted that it was not guaranteed that the Toby Bin system could completely be removed due to, for example, areas in the borough that have steep hillsides.  The contractors were working to the Council’s instructions and investigating how to alleviate the problem. 

Unfortunately, some residents had been leaving black sacks on open space areas rather than in their round bin (with no wheels) due to lack of space.  Therefore this was unfortunately classed as fly tipping and residents had received letters explaining that their black waste sacks were to be left on their property curtilage but not obstructing the pavement, ready for collection.

High rise flats – It was noted that waste from some flats in intake. had not been collected and it was noted that there had been a collection error but a weekly collection should now be in place.  A Member reported that in one area, due to where the bins were sited passers-by were using them and placing contaminated items in the recycling bins.  With regard to this example, it was stressed that the flat’s caretaker had been really proactive and helped residents as much as possible to dispose of waste and recycling in the appropriate way.

Education – it was stressed that some residents required further education with what could and could not be recycled, for example, no vegetable type waste could be placed in the garden waste as this could contaminate the whole load.  Members were reminded that clear recycling information was available on the leaflets delivered to all properties and on the Council’s website.

Alleygates – Members reported that there had been a number of issues relating to alleygates being left unlocked for a full day when collections were due, however the collection crewes were closing the gates, as was required.  The officers confirmed that they would investigate this issue.

Collection routes – It was noted that they had been amended and were being regularly tweaked and rerouted if required.  The Council and contract management have been involved with regularly engagement with the crews.

The Panel wished to thank the officers for responding to Members questions and queries.

RESOLVED:  that the discussion and position with the waste collection contract be noted.