Issue - meetings

Report of Head of Environmental Services

Summary

For members to consider a number of Waste Management changes and to note the range of activities being undertaken to drive tonnages to landfill down and increase recycling

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended:

(1)               To adopt the new Oxfordshire Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy

(2)               To approve the Oxfordshire Waste Partnership deed of variation

(3)               To approve a trial expanded trade recycling service focused on Bicester

(4)               To approve the approach regarding Controlled Waste Regulations

(5)       To note the activities underway to promote recycling and reduce waste going to landfill

The Head of Environmental Services submitted a report which sought consideration of a number of Waste Management changes and highlighted the range of activities being undertaken to drive tonnages to landfill down and increase recycling

Resolved

(1)               That the new Oxfordshire Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy be adopted.

(2)               That the Oxfordshire Waste Partnership deed of variation be approved.

(3)               That a trial expanded trade recycling service focused on Bicester be approved.

(4)               To the approach regarding Controlled Waste Regulations be approved.

(5)       That the activities underway to promote recycling and reduce waste going to landfill be noted.

Reasons

This report is presented to provide information on a number of issues regarding waste and recycling services. The Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy sets out the direction for the Council’s waste services for the next few years including new challenging recycling rates in the future.

The new financial arrangements are set out in the deed of variation and although the finances coming from the County Council are falling, they are now clearly set out and not subject to other factors. 

A new trade recycling service in Bicester presents an opportunity for providing SMEs with high quality recycling services while generating income to help cover some fixed costs.

New and innovative ways of increasing the recycling rate are being developed and in the coming months the slow decline in recycling is expected to be turned around.

Options

Option One: To implement the Oxfordshire Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy and carry out actions to support this strategy such as the introduction of a pilot improved trade recycling scheme as well as driving forward household recycling rates.

Option Two: To implement the Oxfordshire Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy but take only minor actions to support this strategy

Option Three:    Investigate other options