Agenda item

(To receive a report from Matthew Michell, Waste Strategy Manager, on strategic waste matters, which invites comments from the Committee to feed into the review of the 10 strategic objectives set out in the Waste Strategy for Lincolnshire adopted by the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership (LWP) in January 2019)

Consideration was given to a report from the Waste Strategy Manager, which invited comments from the Committee on the review of 10 strategic objectives set out in the Waste Strategy for Lincolnshire adopted by the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership (LWP) in January 2019 and outlined in the report.

In order to ensure the continued relevance of the Strategy, a review was being undertaken to consider the LWP's progress towards meeting those objectives and whether any of those objectives might need updating.

It was noted that Defra continued to aim for the 2023 introduction of policies including: consistency of waste collections – e.g. mandatory collection of food waste; enhanced Producer Responsibility (EPR) – a mechanism whereby packaging manufacturers would be financially responsible for the collection and recycling/disposal of their products, and; Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) - Charging a deposit for certain types of packaging which the public could reclaim upon returning the item for recycling.

Members considered the report, including a summary of the initial findings of the objectives review and during the discussion the following comments were noted:-

·         The Lincolnshire Waste Partnership looked at best practice between both its partner members, other authorities and internationally. Joint statements were prepared in order to try and influence Government policy and partners endeavoured where possible to ensure a consistency of approach as well as operating to the latest best practices.

·         The recent innovations in waste management were welcomed, however it was recognised that there was a need for greater public education in order for the benefits arising from these to be fully realised.

·         It was noted that Government regulations for commercial waste were planned which were similar to those imposed on household waste collections.

·         It was difficult to get good quality recycling from street litter bins.The Head of Waste undertook, following discussion, to look at the litter bin arrangements put in place at the Coastal Country Park with regard to collecting recyclable waste separately from general waste.

·         Members commented on the possibility that the public may be demanding more packaging especially from market stall produce in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was noted with concern that deliveries from internet purchases often seemed to come with a lot of unnecessary packaging.

·         'Can Banks' were welcomed and it was hoped that more of these could be sited at the coast and the money raised from recycling the aluminium cans could continue to benefit local causes. More of these were likely to appear as part of the proposed Deposit Return Schemes.

·         Innovative solutions were required for those members of the public who had small yards and gardens and who would find it difficult or impossible to accommodate their current recycling bins and any additional ones required in the future.

·         The problems associated with the improper use of recycling bins in communal areas of flats was highlighted and recognised this was down to public behaviour.

·         Consideration should be given as to whether there were any innovative solutions which could in the future connect litter with the culprit.

RESOLVED:     The report be endorsed and the comments from members be considered by officers for inclusion in the report to be presented to the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership.