This report sets out the timescales, container requirements and an update on simpler recycling, but more specifically food waste collections.
Minutes:
Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Waste setting out the timescales, container requirement and updating on Simpler Recycling, but more specifically food waste collections.
The Head of Waste introduced his report by reminding members that this change had been caused by government collection and packaging reforms to ensure consistency of collections across the country. Councils will need to implement a separate weekly collection of food waste from individual properties by 1 April 2026.
Members were advised that each resident would be provided with a 7ltr caddy, which sits within the household and a 23 litre container for the kerbside. A survey would be carried out to determine the requirements of the boroughs flats and multiple occupation homes.
The Head of Waste advised that the scheme would be monitored to help determine the policy for providing bin liners.
Members were advised that there would be a clear and simple communication programme that would include training/information sharing for the Members. A timetable would be drawn up to show the activity required to introduce the scheme, and would be governed by delivery times on caddies and collection vehicles, currently on a 12-14 month lead time. It would start with the procurement of the caddies which would go out to tender. Members expressed a preference for attracting a UK supplier.The Head of Waste agreed to share this timetable with Members.
In answer to a Member’s question, the Head of waste explained that non compostable single use bags would inevitably end up being used but they were easier to extract from the food recycling stream. Although everything possible would be done to encourage correct use of the scheme, there were currently no enforcement powers in place.
All Members agreed that communication, and in particular local promotion was key, with costings for this built into the revenue budget.
Members were advised that the aim of this initiative was to reduce food waste and therefore success would be measured by a decrease in waste collected. Schemes already in place show a reduction from 65% to 50% once the scheme is established and householders realise how much is being thrown away and the financial implication to the household budget.
In answer to a Members questions the Head of Waste advised that the grant revenue funding from the Producer Responsibilty Grant would hopefully be confirmed later in November.
Members wanted to express their thanks to the Head of Waste for the work involved in producing the report, and how pleased they were he was on the team as it was recognised that there is a lot of work coming in the near future regarding other forms of recycling.
A Member suggested that any policy in regard to food waste recycling should be included in the Climate Change Strategy and the Gosport Food Partnership could be involved. Parks could also be locations for community composters.
The Chairman agreed to move the second recommendation from those needing a decision to those for noting.
RESOLVED: That the Board:
i) approved the draft outline timetable as identified in 2.8 below with a target start date for food waste collections commencing on 31st March 2026
ii) agreed the specification for food waste kitchen caddies as 7 litres to be supplied to all residential properties
iii) agreed the specification for kerbside food waste containers as 23 litres for all households who currently are served with 140 or 240 litre wheeled bins or sacks for properties that front directly onto the footway for refuse and recycling collections
iv) approved that the Council will only fund two rolls of 25 compostable liners which will be delivered with each kitchen caddy as the scheme is initially rolled out.
That the Board noted:
i) the estimated costings for the commencement of food waste collections.
ii) that the Council’s communications team will take the lead in developing a communications plan for the implementation of all aspects of “Simpler Recycling”
iii) that a briefing is to be arranged with all members in January 2025 to explain the implications of “Simpler Recycling”
iv) the progress being made to comply with the collection and packaging reforms, which include simpler recycling.
Supporting documents: