PAPER F

Committee :    ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORT SELECT COMMITTEE

Date :              WEDNESDAY, 17 JULY 2002

Title :              WASTE MANAGEMENT TASK GROUP

REPORT OF THE HEAD OF PAID SERVICE

SUMMARY/PURPOSE

To note the work of Waste Management Task Group.

BACKGROUND

The Task Group was established by the Select Committee on 26 September 2001 with the following terms of reference :-

           1.        To assess whether recycling and collection targets are being met and whether performance can be improved and if so how.

           2.        Getting the recycling message across to the public - to review how it could be explained better.

           3.        To review arrangements for issuing of composting bins and black boxes.

           4.        To identify and investigate options for recycling more commercial waste.

The Task Group, under the Chairmanship of John Howe, met on 8 January, 12 March, 23 April and 1 July 2002. Site visits were held on 6 February 2002.

During the course of its deliberations members took advice from Eric Mawdsley, Operations Manager and Steve Boswell, Principal Engineer (Contracts). A range of issues were also raised with Bruce Gilmore of Island Waste. In addition a presentation was made to all members of the Council, by Island Waste, on 1 July 2002.

The Task Group considered matters related to :-

           •          the conversion of the WDF Plant in Forest Road, Newport to a Resource Recovery Facility,

           •          disposal of waste refrigeration equipment,

           •          upward trend of local and national domestic waste production,

           •          level of waste being recycled in excess of targets stipulated in contract,

           •          diversion of waste from landfill resulting in savings in landfill tax,

           •          monitoring systems utilised in respect of the disposal of waste,

           •          performance of the Council against the New Unitaries Benchmarking Group,

           •          illegal disposal of commercial waste at civic amenity sites,

           •          promotion of recycling initiatives.

It was clear to the Task Group that the Council, in conjunction with Island Waste, were achieving a high level of performance in waste collection and disposal. New initiatives were being introduced to increase public awareness of the benefits of recycling. The need for a facility so that roadshows could be undertaken throughout the Island was a matter that should be further investigated. The need to place further pressure on manufacturers to reduce the amount of packaging was also highlighted.

The link between waste management and greening the Authority was raised, particularly through the work being undertaken by the Agenda 21 Officer, Angela Mawle, on an Environment Management System. It was believed that this was the next major issue that should be tackled through an appropriate Task Group.

The Task Group considered that it had fully achieved its objectives and were satisfied with the work of the Council and Island Waste. All members would receive a copy of Island Waste’s new display material when this had been finalised.

RECOMMENDATIONS

THAT the work of the Task Group be noted and, having completed its terms of reference, it be wound up.

BACKGROUND PAPERS

Papers for meetings of the Waste Management Task Group

Contact Point : Paul Thistlewood, ☎ 823285

                                                                                  ALAN KAYE

                                                                           Head of Paid Service