Issue - meetings

The Scrutiny Officer presented the report on the Effectiveness of the Council’s Waste Collection and Disposal Education to Committee.

The Committee had agreed to undertake a review of the Council’s waste collection and disposal education as part of the 2024-25 Work Programme.  This was initially due to concerns of contamination rates within recycling collections.

The aim of the review was to ensure that the Council’s approach to waste disposal advice and education was reaching all target audiences to reduce current contamination rates and improve recycling rates.

The key findings included: identified confusion over the burgundy bin; the struggle post-COVID-19 to regenerate school programmes on recycling; that Council acknowledged the introduction of food waste recycling from 1^st April 2026; and that the Council considers the accessibility of communication services.

A Member asked why there had been a focus on younger members of society.  The Chair and Scrutiny Officer explained that while a focus on young people had taken place, it was to address the reduction of interaction between schools and the Council on recycling.  It was also noted that older people were more likely to use the Council’s website, InTouch magazine, and the bin calendars to know what could and could not be recycled; a balance between ages needed to be reached.

On a question regarding carbon reduction, the Scrutiny Officer stated the effects of the review would be known in 2024/25.

Moved by Councillor Rita Turner and seconded by Councillor Louise Fox

RESOLVED that the report be noted.