Agenda item

(To receive a powerpoint presentation and update from Rachel Stamp, Lincolnshire Waste Partnership Programme Delivery Manager, on the progress of the paper and card trial)

The Partnership received a presentation from the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership (LWP) Programme Delivery Manager, which provided an update on Lincolnshire's Paper and Card Recycling Trial.

The presentation outlined the following:

·         The desired outcomes of the  paper and card trial – to improve the quality and            volume of paper & card recycled; the repurposing many times, rather than just      into a single use product; and to change customers behaviours

·         The trial areas and number of households within the trial

·         The key dates in which information was being provided

·         The process undertaken for bin or bag collections

·         The materials that were accepted in the bins/bags

·         The amount of recycling collected so far as part of the trial and the quality of   the  recycling collected

·         The future plans and aspirations for the trial

The LWP Programme Delivery Manager advised that there had been a lot of work to engage with the public to encourage, provide awareness and educate the public of the benefits of recycling and what could be recycled in their Mixed Dry Recycling bins. 

The LWP Programme Delivery Manager thanked partners for their time and effort to help get the trial operational.

Overall, the paper and card trial had been positively received and successful so far. 

Members and Officers were provided to ask questions, in which the following points were noted:

·       Concerns were raised that the design of the bin being used in the trial allowed water to pool on top of and leak into the bin, resulting in moisture levels in the recycling. The LWP Programme Delivery Manager informed that Partnership that robust tests had been carried out on the bins which had determined that only a very minor amount of water leakage was possible. It had been concluded that the amount of possible leakage would not compromise the quality of recycling. Officers would consider an alternative bin design if they were to purchase any more bins at a future date.

·       There had been some unforeseen issues with the suitability of some of items for recycling. Following a large number of potato sacks being recycled, Officers were investigating whether potato sacks and various other items were suitable to be recycled. 

·       One school was currently taking part in the trial which was situated in the South Holland district.

·       It was noted that communications received by Members had suggested that the public were very interested in the trial and that the trial was successful so far. It was essential to maintain the high level of quality and participation.

·       It was recognised that there was a high level of waste and recycling produced over the Christmas Period and that people may make genuine mistakes when recycling during this period.

·       The Partnership emphasised the need for clear communication as to what could be recycled over the Christmas period and beyond. It was confirmed that this had been discussed as part of the strategic officer working group, with a key message to be mindful of foil and glitter in the recycling.

·       Councils were also relaying the message that all non-recyclable waste was disposed of at the County's Energy from Waste plant, which was also beneficial for the environment. It was hoped that this would diffuse concerns about not being able to put certain items in recycling bins.

·       Representatives from North Kesteven District Council advised that although they had received a small number of initial complaints regarding the colour of the bin and the extra bin, an overwhelming majority of the feedback had been positive.

·       The Partnership emphasised the importance of consistency with regards to enforcement across the County, whilst maintaining an awareness of the differences in the recyclables collected.

·       Lincolnshire County Council Officers were currently gathering information and investigating possible options for a new contract for paper and card recycling. Officers had recognised an opportunity for a much more integrated approach across the county.

·       It was felt that there was a role for the strategic officer working group to ensure that the monitoring of metrics was considered and aided the decision making process.

·       It was confirmed that unused wallpaper could be recycled as long as it did not contain foils or glitter.

RESOLVED:

          That the presentation be noted.