Mrs
Jennifer Shepherd, the Head of Environment and Public Realm
introduced her report on the Waste and Recycling Strategy
2018-2023.
The
Committee noted that following previous consultation with the
Committee and a workshop with Members, a new Waste and Recycling
Strategy had been drafted.
Mrs
Shepherd also advised that the issue of recycling had recently been
in the news regarding single use plastics. As a result of this central government had
proposed a number of changes to policies and legislation, including
putting a tax on coffee cups.
The Committee was informed that Maidstone was at the forefront of
recycling and they were second in the table against other Kent
authorities. A number of authorities
had seen a decline in their recycling rates.
In
response to questions from Members, Mrs Shepherd advised
that:-
·
The satisfaction target for customers on recycling
was taken out as it was almost a given that the rate would be high.
·
There would not be any policing of bins, just
working with residents to get it right.
The last resort would be to take the bin away.
·
The Council had adopted a hard line with housing
providers and management companies on their communal areas which
had been successful.
·
Roadshows and face to face engagement are targeted
to areas where recycling rates are low.
RESOLVED: That the draft Waste and Recycling Strategy
2018-2023 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report be adopted and the
actions contained within it are implemented.
Voting:
For: unanimous