Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to respond to the petition received that is asking for garden waste collections to be extended through the winter period.

Resolved:  (i)      That the content of the petition be noted.

(ii)      That the current collection arrangements be maintained (no winter collections).

Reason:     To protect front line waste services and to ensure that the service operates as efficiently as possible.

The Cabinet Member gave consideration to a report which responded to a petition which had been received which asked for garden waste collections to be extended through the winter period.

The Cabinet Member was asked to consider the following options:

Option A:   To maintain the current spring and summer only

                   collections

Option B:   To reinstate winter garden waste collections

Officers gave details of the uptake of the service and stated that evidence suggested that residents were storing the garden waste during the winter period rather than sending it for landfill.  Details were given of the costs involved in reintroducing the winter garden waste collections.

The Cabinet Members thanked the petitioners. 

The Cabinet Member stated that the service was not a statutory one and was not provided to all residents.  To reinstate the winter garden waste collections would necessitate cuts to other services and hence she did not support Option B.  Assistance would be given to help people with composting and work would take place to promote this.

Resolved:  (i)      That the content of the petition be noted.

(ii)      That the current collection arrangements be maintained (no winter collections).

Reason:     To protect front line waste services and to ensure that the service operates as efficiently as possible.