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 Panel to suspend standing orders and extend the meeting by up to 15 minutes.

In response to member questions on Veolia’s performance, Graeme Kane clarified:

·         Issues regarding the service provided by Veolia to flats were noted;

·         Further deductions to Veolia are yet to be determined.  Some payments are being withheld to make these feasible to enact;

·         Inconsistency in reports of fly tipping incidents will be down to how they are reported causing some duplication;

·         Christmas tree collection is on track to be achieved by the deadline;

·         The plan for leaf sweeping used by Veolia will be picked-up and discussed after the meeting;

·         Agreed the need to extend coverage of fly tipping posters promoting the fines that can be imposed;

·         Street bins are being monitored as they have also been noted by the waste team;

·         Reporting of missed bins is now being reported electronically meaning that reporting is likely to be more accurate; and

·         Veolia is liable for any damage caused to other vehicles by its bin lorries.