RESOLVED: That

1.  The lessons learnt from the policy change be noted.

2.  The new revised policy for the provision of replacement bins be approved.

(See Record of Decision)

The Cabinet Member for Environmental Services introduced the item and stated that the proposed policy at appendix 2 to the report reflected the lessons learnt over the past few months. The policy stated that household bins unsuitable for use would be replaced without charge, including those without lids, once marked off by the crew, and reference made to the existing arrangements for communal bins.

Residents would continue to be encouraged to use stickers on their bins, identifying which house it belonged to, which made it easier for the collection crew to identify any bins requiring replacement. This was as bins were often moved to alternative locations making it difficult to find; this was an operational matter and could be improved once the new waste collection contract with SUEZ begun due to the company’s improved technological capabilities.

In response to questions, the Head of Environment and Public Realm confirmed that local residents had been encouraged to use stickers on their bins as an identifier in previous years, with another communication being included in the next Borough Insight Magazine. In relation to missed bin collections, the new waste collection contract included technology allowing for improved service monitoring, with Member encouraged to report when a collection was missed, and if not collected, as the Council could issue rectification notices to ensure the current service provider collected the bins. 

The Committee expressed support for the proposed policy, which was felt to be an improvement on the previous policy.

RESOLVED to RECOMMEND to CABINET: That

1. The lessons learnt from the policy change, be noted.
   
   
2. The new revised policy for the provision of replacement bins, be approved.
   
   

Note: Councillor English left after the item’s consideration at 6.58 p.m.