Agenda item

To outline potential improvements, which would better insulate Stroud District Council from the fluctuations of markets in the sale of recyclates.

The Community Services Manager introduced the report which outlined what improvements could be made to insulate the Council from global recycling markets. He detailed the two main problems with the current recycling system. Paper and cardboard were collected by a box containment method which produced wet recyclate, affecting quality and generating additional costs. One option was the introduction of a wheelie bin containment method for this recyclate to keep it dry. The introduction of wheelie bins would need stringent modelling, as while there would be an expectation of this option that residents would recycle more, the consequence could be increased demand on fleet personnel and vehicles. The Community Services Manager explained that each of the proposals in the report were complex and whilst some rudimentary costs were provided, each would require comprehensive modelling. He noted that an alternative option was to introduce a larger tipping bay. This would allow for the rotation of paper and cardboard on site so it would be sent for processing in a dry state. This was not possible at present as the recyclate had to be moved daily due to space constraints.

The Community Services Manager detailed the third option for Dry Mixed Recycling. At present this recycling was sorted through a material recovery facility so the aim would be for the Council to take responsibility for the sorting rather than being reliant on a third party. He explained that whilst indicative costs were set out in the report, there was a need to look at future Government policy following the current consultation, particularly in relation to the deposit return scheme and extended producer responsibility.

Councillor Lydon asked what the possibilities were of aligning the collection and disposal of waste across all districts in the county to achieve important economies of scale. The Community Services Manager indicated that county wide discussions took place through the Gloucestershire Resources and Waste Partnership. However, whilst it may be possible to standardise what can be collected, the methods of collection were difficult to align due to geographical differences and local priorities.

Councillor Hurst asked whether consideration had been given to using wet cardboard in a different way, mixing it with the composting system rather than drying it out for sale. The Community Services Manager explained that at present mixed loads of paper and cardboard were sorted by the processor so there was no way of separating cardboard.

Councillor Townley suggested that having an additional wheelie bin would be a real disadvantage for those people with limited space, and questioned whether local collection points could be used more widely. The Community Services Manager agreed that this was an option and that any proposal to introduce a wheelie bin scheme would require consultation with residents and appraisal of wider implications.

RESOLVED              a) To note the report contents;

b) To instruct officers in consultation with the Chair,
     to continue exploring opportunities to work with

                                         neighbouring authorities, and

c) To bring a further report to Committee when there
     is greater clarity on the Government policy, in
     particular on the deposit return scheme (DRS) and
     extended producer responsibility (EPR).