Minutes:
Andrew Pau reiterated that all recycling centres in Warwickshire have reopened, the booking system will remain for at least another six months following government advice. Visitors to the centres since reopening have decreased by 1/3 but waste tonnage is only 2/3 of the previous level; this meant that the public are making better use of their visit. There are over 12000 weekly slots for members of the public to use with 75%-85% of these slots being used. Overall, all sites have good capacity and social distancing remains obligatory which meant it was more difficult to open all materials on all sites; it varies by site, but glass, textiles and engine oil have been reintroduced. Everything is online.
In response to Richard Dobbs, Andrew Pau stated it is too early to say if the booking system will remain post-pandemic but there are benefits for this.
Councillor Margaret Bell informed the meeting that the booking system received mixed reviews in North Warwickshire, but it had been mostly praised; she queried if no booking could be required at quieter times in the week. She continued that not all members of the public can use the online booking system so an alternative is needed.
Following a query from Councillor Bell regarding larger vehicles such as vans and pick-ups and whether they are allowed at recycling centres, Andrew Pau and Ruth Dixon (Waste Strategy and Commissioning Manager) stated that these restricted vehicles are allowed under certain circumstances and with vouchers. The rules were introduced initially in 1998 so traders did not abuse the HWRCs.
Richard Dobbs added that if the booking system was kept then it might be easier to manage abuse of the HWRCs by traders. Members of the public with commercial vehicles or vans might then be able to use recycle centres in those vehicles. Andrew suggested the review of the policy could take place when the Warwickshire waste strategy review takes place.
The Chair and Councillor Shenton commended the booking system.
Richard Dobbs stated that North Warwickshire borough’s service had returned to normal but green waste charging was delayed to April 2021.
Graham Folkes-Skinner (Business Support and Development Manager (Neighbourhood Services) at Warwick District Council and Dan Green (Dan Green, Head of Environmental and Public Realm Senior Management Team) at Rugby Borough Council informed the partnership that both their respective councils have new waste and recycling collection vehicles due to the extra demand.
Dan Green added that Rugby borough had returned to normal service.
Craig Bourne (Contracts Manager) at Stratford District Council confirmed that service returned to normal in Stratford District and charging for green waste will be brought in in March 2021.
Andrew Pau added that charging for green waste could potentially have an impact on the residual waste contract and on the bio waste processing contract which has minimum tonnage. Officers from the different authorities will need to consult on this.
The Chair and Andrew Pau commended the work of the waste collection authorities and the positive public change in attitude towards their waste services.