Councillor Janice Howard asked if wheeled bins could be various sizes to allow residents more choice. Chris Lee confirmed that the height of available bins would all be the same.

Councillor John Sargeant expressed concerns regarding:

·         Not being consulted during the pilot scheme;

·         The disbenefits of the increase in the volume of waste as a result of the use of wheeled bins during the pilot;

·         If the ward selected for the pilot was representative;

·         Lack of consultation of residents

Chris Lee apologised that the Panel had not been engaged in the Pilot sooner if this is what they had hoped to do. Cormac Stokes added that the department will engage throughout the process should the scheme be taken forward. He added that no one ward is typical of Merton as a whole and that the pilot was purposely focused in this area. The report outlined indicative costs at this stage and more detailed analysis would need to be undertaken.

Councillor Ross Garrod thanked officers and the Cabinet Member for carrying out this pilot in his ward and noted the positive response he has received from residents to this scheme. He added that the scheme had clear benefits for residents, particularly in relation to recycling, street cleanliness and waste collection and that the council operates an assisted lifting scheme for elderly residents that struggle with their litter bins/boxes.

Councillor Ross Garrod suggested that the council look into the benefits that may also be realised from operating this scheme in relation to the impact on staff sickness and potential decrease in muscular skeletal problems from use of lorries that lift wheeled bins.

Chris Lee stated that it was too early to provide reliable data on the potential impact on staff sickness levels. However, data on expected recycling levels and associated revenue generated could be provided, although they should still be treated with some caution at this stage.

Councillor Daniel Holden expressed his disappointment that the sample for the pilot wasn’t representative. He felt that wheeled bins were unsightly and that the current box and bag collection was sufficient. He also added that the council need to consider the size preferences of residents. Councillor Daniel Holden also asked if a mixed collection scheme could be in operation to increase resident’s choice.

Cormac Stokes explained that not one size fits all but that, where wheeled bins have been introduced across the country, councils have opted for a default size but have made alternatives available by exception.. A one size bin would be offered as the default and alternatives could be made available by exception, usually based on storage constraints and/or household size.  Although volumes may differ the height of the bin would need to be standard to suit vehicle lifting requirements..

Councillor Daniel Holden expressed concerns that the wheeled bins generate more waste and may therefore be counter productive to waste collection targets set by the council. Costs also need to be considered. Is this an appropriate use of council funds at this time.

Cormac Stokes added that there is generally a policy of no side waste for those with wheeled bins and that research has shown that the effective diversion of waste to recycling and waste reduction measures are directly related to the reduction in residual waste capacity provision.

Councillor John Sargeant added that there would need to be standardisation across the borough but that the council need to acknowledge that it is a contentious issue and doesn’t suit all homes. He asked officers to look at scope for flexibility of approach.

Councillor Daniel Holden raised the issue of disabled residents and families with pushchairs being unable to use paths because wheeled bins are placed on them. Cormac Stokes confirmed that all wheeled bins must be placed on the property, not the path ways. This would require education, crew training  and enforcement as a last resort

RESOLVED:  Panel noted the report and agreed to forward a reference to Cabinet to consider alongside the report on proposals for rolling out wheeled bins, which outlined the following recommendations from the Panel:

·                     That Cabinet undertake a more detailed analysis of detailed costs and projected savings of the wider roll out of the scheme before making a decision;

·                     That, should the scheme be rolled out, Cabinet ensure choice for residents in the size of the wheeled bins and if they wish to participate in the scheme;

·                     That Cabinet consider the impact of wheeled bins outside homes on the street scene;

·                     That Cabinet consider the impact on disabled users if wheeled bins are used in terms of accessing pavements and homes