Agenda item

(To receive a report from the Executive Director – Place which invites the Executive to make a recommendation on its preferred options for Household Waste Recycling Centres in Lincolnshire)

The Executive received a report which sought to provide information about the use of a booking system at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and requested the views of the Executive prior to a decision as to whether the system should remain.

The report set out the background to the introduction of the system and factors which had to be considered in the early stages of the pandemic to enable the HWRC's to be able to reopen safely.  The report also highlighted the increase in complaints received during this period, and provided an update on fly-tipping.  It was highlighted that there was a perception from residents that the initial closure and reopening with the introduction of the booking system had led to an increase in fly-tipping incidents.  However the data did not support this view and there was no demonstrable correlation.

The report also summarised the different approaches taken nationally during the pandemic and also provided feedback and observations from external HWRC contractors.

During discussion by the Executive, the following was noted:

·         The HWRCs booking system and separately, fly-tipping had been common issues raised by residents during the election, and there was a perception that the closure of the HWRCs had led to an increase in fly-tipping.  Officers advised that at the start of the pandemic, there had been a requirement to close all HWRCs, and the booking system was only ever intended to be a temporary measure to manage the flow of people through the HWRCs and allow them to open safely.

·         The booking system was created and implemented in a relatively short turn around and was subject to review and adaptation.

·         It was also highlighted that the vast majority of people had utilised the system without issue or concerns (in excess of 500k bookings) and positive feedback reported that they had felt safe on site, and with fewer people waiting they had not felt rushed whilst they were visiting the site.

·         It was queried how sites could ensure that trade waste was kept out of the HWRCs if the booking system was removed.  It was acknowledged that the booking system had enabled greater control of this.  Consideration was being given to various mitigation measures, including retaining the permit system for vans, but simplifying it to make it easier to use.

·         It was highlighted that the service had traditionally been one of low complaints and that the increase had been as a direct result of the introduction of the HWRC booking system, particularly during the period when waste streams were limited to specific days.

·         It was highlighted that recycling rates at HWRCs were very good, and there was a need to make these services as convenient as possible to use.

·         Concerns were raised that the removal of the booking system could see a return to managed access and long queuing to gain access to sites.  Officers were to look at possible mitigation, however, it was recognised that for particularly busy sites, this was a likely outcome. The Executive Councillor for Waste and Trading Standards would be submitting a report containing proposals to the relevant scrutiny committee in due course.