Due to lack of time, the Panel agreed to initially concentrate on the pre-decision scrutiny item regarding the size of wheeled bin required for the new service rollout to take place from October 2018.

Graeme Kane, Assistant Director Public Space, Contracting and Commissioning, introduced the item:

·         This is a small but significant decision; whether to order 240 litre or 180 litre wheeled bins for the rollout of the new service to take place from October 2018.  This bin size will be used for general waste and dry recycling; and

·         The bin sizes of other authorities and best practice have been reviewed;

·         Seen as a decision between providing capacity and encouraging recycling.  With the smaller option the risk is that residents may find other ways to dispose of their waste with an impact on fly tipping.

In response to officer questions, Graeme Kane clarified:

·         Whilst dependent on the size of bin bag used, on average a 180 litre bin will hold between three to four bin bags of general waste.  Whilst the emphasis will be on recycling as much as possible, larger households (five plus people) will be able to request a larger capacity bin (240 litre);

·         Any instance of residents seeing general waste and recycling going into the same bin lorry should be reported to the waste team to be looked at further.  This shouldn’t happen and if it does it risks undermining the good will of residents; and

·         The suggestion of a smaller bin size has resulted from the team continually reviewing the service (including required capacity), best practice and evidence from WRAP.

Cllr Holden proposed a motion: “This Panel welcomes the flexible approach being taken to bin sizes.  We are also aware that a number of alternative bin options have been proposed by residents including the Bell Orb.  We recommend that all these options be reviewed to ensure flexibility and choice”.

Graeme Kane noted that the Bell Orb is not wheeled and therefore is not a viable option.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Bull and voted for by Cllrs Holden and Bull.  Cllrs Anderson, Braund, Chung and Makin voted against.  Cllr Sargeant abstained.  This meant the motion fell.

Cllr Holden proposed a further motion: “This Panel recommends that residents be provided with a range of bin size options from the outset of the new service so that they can order their preferred option.  This would prevent the need for all households to be provided with the same sized bin initially”.

Chris Lee noted that it is unlikely that households will know what sized bin they will require from the outset.  There will also be additional costs incurred in canvassing households.

The motion was seconded by Cllr Bull and voted for by Cllrs Holden and Bull.  Cllrs Anderson, Braund, Chung, Makin and Sargeant voted against.  This meant the motion fell.

A vote was then taken on the proposed 180 litre bin size which was supported unanimously by all members of the Panel.

It was agreed by the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7