This report provides an update on the main roll out of the kerbside food waste collection service and the change to 140 litre residual waste bins and reports on the current recycling rate.

The Executive Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report which provided an update on the main roll out of the kerbside food waste collection service and change to 140 litre residual waste bins, and set out further details for Phase 2 of the roll out.

The report explained that since the main roll out had started over 2552 tonnes of food waste had been collected, an average of 2.7kg per household per week, although it was expected that this would reduce as households recognised the need to reduce food waste.  The recycling level had increased to 52% over the same period, meeting the Council’s 50% target set in September 2019 (Policy Committee, 26 September 2019, minute 31 refers).

The report also set out the timetable for the roll out of the food waste collection service to residents living in low and high-rise flats.  Each household would receive an internal caddy and caddy liners, with the appropriate number of 240l communal food waste bins provided in the bin storage areas.  The communications plan had taken into account lessons learned during the main roll out and would reflect the differences in the service for residents of flats.  Phase 2 would also be split into two phases, to allow for the additional support that would be needed and for any changes required after Phase 2a to be incorporated into Phase 2b.  The Council’s Recycling and Enforcement officers would be used to support the residents during these phases.

Resolved:

(1)      That the progress of Phase 1 to date be noted;

(2)      That the proposed Phase 2 roll out timetable be noted;

(3)      That a further update report including the results of the Phase 2 roll out be submitted to future meeting of the Committee.