The current Waste Collection and Street Cleansing contracts end on 31st March 2019. This report details the options and seeks approval for the recommended design and delivery method of future household waste collection and street cleansing services.

1.         That a consultation on the following possibilities related to the Council’s kerbside waste collection scheme be approved:

·         the containment of materials – additional boxes and caddies;

·         the collection of additional recyclable materials – glass and food waste;

·         the collection of residual (black bin) waste – 3 weekly collections; and

·         the collection of green (garden) waste – charging for the service.

2.         That the procurement procedure rules be suspended to allow a maximum of up to 9 months extension to the current Waste Collection & Street Cleansing contracts.

3.         To authorise the procurement of recycling treatment and disposal services for kerbside collected dry recycling and to authorise the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Services and the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to award the contract.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that outlined the methods available for the kerbside collection of household waste in Central Bedfordshire.  The report sought approval to:

·      consult on any potential changes that would impact on residents;

·      consider the impact of the work on the end dates for the current waste collection contracts; and

·      procurement of recycling treatment and disposal services to align with the end of the collection contract.

The Executive Member moved an amendment to recommendation 2 and this was duly seconded:-

“That the procurement procedure rules be suspended to allow a maximum of up to 9 months extension to the current Waste Collection & Street Cleansing contracts.”

In response to questions, the Executive Member confirmed that the report sought approval to go out to public consultation on the six options set out in the report.  He confirmed that the Council was exploring all options to engage with the public to seek their views.  He explained that there were no plans to change the existing collection of clinical waste.  The collection of green waste was not a statutory responsibility so this allowed for the Council to consider the option of charging for this service. 

In response to questions, the Deputy Executive Member confirmed that officers engaged with residents, schools and others to help the public recycle their waste.  The recycling rate in Central Bedfordshire was currently 46% and it was hoped that adopting a new collection method, this could rise to over 50%. 

The Leader confirmed that no consideration was being given to fining residents if waste was not placed in the correct bin.  The two waste collection contracts were due to expire on 31 March 2019 which presented an opportunity to fully review the design of the services and determine the waste collection arrangements for the future.

Whilst consulting on the options for collecting household waste, there would be consultation too on the opening times of the Household Waste Recycling Centres.

Reason for decision:  To allow a consultation on future waste collection arrangements and enable the continuation of waste collection and recycling treatment and disposal services in the meantime.

RESOLVED

1.         that a consultation on the following possibilities related to the Council’s kerbside waste collection scheme be approved:

·         the containment of materials – additional boxes and caddies;

·         the collection of additional recyclable materials – glass and food waste;

·         the collection of residual (black bin) waste – 3 weekly collections; and

·         the collection of green (garden) waste – charging for the service.

2.         that the procurement procedure rules be suspended to allow a maximum of up to 9 months extension to the current Waste Collection & Street Cleansing contracts; and

3.         to authorise the procurement of a recycling treatment and disposal services for kerbside collected dry recycling and to authorise the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Services and the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to award the contract.

The decision was unanimous.