Decision details

Andrew Pau (Strategy and Commissioning Manager (Waste & Environment) presented the item. The review started a year ago, but for a series of reasons the production of the final report was delayed, however, an action plan was provided. Andrew Pau stated that the government have had the first round of consultation on a new Resources and Waste Strategy for England, but this will not be published until the summer of 2020. He continued that the government’s final strategy should be published in 2021. The action plan focused on household recycling and recycle centres which are managed by council. Some of these actions have already been completed and they intend to focus on the other actions by improving plans, reviewing the joint waste strategy and developing a new household Waste Recycling Centre Strategy. Andrew Pau concluded that a major part of the business is heavily dependent on the government's new Resources and Waste Strategy for England, therefore it is important to wait until this has been finalised.

In response to Councillor Shilton, Andrew Pau stated that recycling and composting are one of the core objectives of Warwickshire’s Joint Waste Strategy which has been agreed by all districts and boroughs and the county. He continued that every household in the county have the maximum opportunity to recycle and waste is now prioritised due to the climate change agenda. Andrew Pau agreed more could be done with educating the disposal of electronic goods.

Councillor Kondakor observed that minimising waste needed to be looked at and there needs to be a data consistency with regards to other reports received by the committee.

Andrew Pau stated that they are focusing on minimising waste first and then maximising recycling and composting. Regarding maximising energy recovery with residual waste, the main methods of energy recovery are burning or landfilling; however, this is constrained by environmental and cost reasons. Andrew Pau continued that several authorities charge for green waste, but this increases home composting. He concluded this is manageable in the council.

Resolved

That the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

1)     Notes the report including the recommendations and actions in the action plan attached.

2)    Agrees the service area response and timetables as set out in the report.

Requests that a further report be presented to the committee after the government strategy has been published.