Agenda item

Kerbside Recycling Service - Presentation by the Cleansing and Fleet Manager

Minutes:

The Cleansing and Fleet Manager spoke on the presentation on the kerbside re-cycling service set to be launched in September 2021. He provided the following details of progress to date:-

 

·         comprehensive research had been undertake into schemes run by other authorities including Bristol, Bath, Oxford and Cardiff as well as the more rural neighbouring authorities of Teignbridge and East Devon. The latter had provided useful information of operating in the narrow, terraced streets of Exmouth, on its communication programme and health and safety etc. matters;

·         evaluation and cost analysis of vehicle options and appropriate material sorting technology as part of the upgrade to the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF);

·         the methods of capture and sorting of the recycled waste both at the kerbside and within the MRF where an optical sorting equipment by means of a laser beam would distinguish differing materials. A high quality end use was sought to generate income;

·         a conservative analysis by the consultant that each crew would collect from 676 properties per round; and

·         staffing matters, including the involvement of the Civic Centre Customer First team, as part of a communication strategy, as the launch was likely to lead to an increase in enquiries.

 

He responded as follows to Members’ queries:-

 

·         the preferred method of roll out was under consideration, options including a city wide roll-out, launching in three or four areas initially or a single area pilot;

·         additional staff would be required with many of those currently working at the MRF re-deployed to the vehicles for on-site sorting. In addition, an apprenticeship scheme was intended with training on loading initially and then as drivers;

·         routes would be carefully planned to limit traffic congestion around rush-hours and in the city’s narrower streets;

·         it was anticipated that there would be a short time period when the MRF would not be operational in order for the new equipment to be installed;

·         with the current national average re-cycling rate being 45% - often reflective of rural or more stable populations - Exeter’s goal, which was a conservative one set by the consultant, was to increase its target from a percentage of mid 30’s to 49%-50% and above. It was also noted that Exeter had one of the lowest waste production rates in the country; and

·         regular meetings were held with the University where an annual “Student On The Move” scheme had been introduced to reduce associated problems of changing occupancy. The University was keen to develop its commitment to sustainable communities and, one possible student involvement scheme, could be through research into improved communication with the student population.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and City Management commented as follows:-

 

·         a business/project plan was in place;

·         with 3 to 9 February 2020 being National Apprenticeship Week, it was appropriate that the City Council was strongly committed to its apprenticeship programme and offering training opportunities to develop the talent of Exeter’s young people and help address labour shortages; and

·         praised the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment of the Cleansing Team and its willingness to take on additional work such as the University Campus Waste Collection contract.

Members welcomed the update on the implementation of the kerbside re-cycling service, requesting that this become a standing item on this Committee’s agenda. The inclusion of the business plan in the report to the next Committee was also requested.

 

The Customer Focus Scrutiny Committee welcomed the report and agreed that further reports be presented to each meeting to include timelines of the scheme implementation, details of the business/project plan and the communication strategy, these details to be provided in the Committee papers prior to the meeting.