Agenda item

Purpose of report:

The report is intended to address three policy issues at the Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) now that they have returned to near normal operations after the removal of social distancing measures. Two of the proposed policy changes will contribute towards Enabling a Greener Future by either allowing more material to be recycled through our sites or by reducing the journey distances involved in residents transporting their waste

            Witnesses:

            Marissa Heath, Cabinet Member for Environment

Katie Stewart, Executive Director for Environment, Transport & Infrastructure

Richard Parkinson, Waste Group Manager

Carolyn McKenzie, Director of Environment

Key points raised during the discussion:

1. A Member asked how proof of residency would be checked, would residents be turned away if they didn’t have the correct documentation and what policing and safeguards against any potential abuse were planned. An Officer explained that initially, the policy would be implemented softly. There would be publicity to notify residents of the new requirements but until it was common knowledge, residents would be permitted to use facilities with a reminder to bring proof of address on their next visit. Residents would be required to provide proof of address on their first visit and would be issued with an annual windscreen sticker so that they would not have to bring documentation on each visit. The ability to register vehicles would be considered for the future.

2. An Officer summarised that SCC was bearing the costs of processing other counties’ waste. The policy change was to counteract this and act as a cost avoidance. This change was considered a short-term measure to contain cost pressures. In terms of climate change, changes were being made in the immediate term and the Committee would be engaged in the longer-term approach to waste going forward.

3. A Member said that it would be useful to see the cost implications referred to and it was important for discussions with other counties to explore cross border agreements. An Officer confirmed that dialogue was continuing with neighbouring counties and there was a willingness to work together in a wider context of climate change. 

4. A Member was concerned that reduced opening hours would result in residents travelling further to recycle which was not only inconvenient but also against the climate change policy. An Officer said that the planned re procurement of waste services would give the opportunity to consider the future use of Surrey County Council’s infrastructure

5. A Member said that it would be useful to digest figures relating to use of the recycling centres following these changes. An Officer said that residual waste and recycling was monitored closely in addition to vehicle numbers providing good data for the Committee to analyse.

Resolved:

In supporting all three policy changes listed in the report, the Select Committee:

1. Asks the Cabinet Member to consider joint agreements with neighbouring authorities to facilitate and help residents in using the nearby recycling centres/facilities that might fall under other local authorities;

2. To minimise longer travel; environmental impact; and to encourage more recycling, asks the Cabinet member to explore whether the Surrey County Council Recycling Centres should extend their opening times and days to cover the whole week; andconsider developing pedestrian access to recycling facilities in future; and

3. Asks that the Service put in place a mechanism whereby local residents can register online to comply with these changes as opposed to only being able to do so onsite - and often only after sitting in a long queue.