Meeting documents

To consider the report

DECISION

The Board RESOLVED to note the contents of this information report, having received a presentation and discussed the implications of the proposed policies.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED

As set out in the officer report.

REASON FOR DECISION

As set out in the officer report.

The Chair invited Mr Green, Somerset Waste Partnership Managing Director, to introduce the report and he also spoke to a presentation that provided a detailed overview. It was noted that the Resources and Waste Strategy had been released last December and was the first major piece of guidance for the waste industry since 2013 it would form the basis of policy for the next few years.

The report explained that most of the proposed policies would be subject to various periods of consultation and it was envisaged that consultations on Extended Producer Responsibility, Deposit Return Schemes and Consistency in Recycling would begin around the Spring this year. In answer to a question it was stated that any changes were not likely to be brought in until 2023 and until policy had been finalised the overall impact for Somerset and the SWP was difficult to assess.

Members heard that England continued to trail both Wales and Scotland with regards to waste policy and current recycling rates. In England it was noted that the current recycling rate stood at 44.8%, compared to 62.7% for Wales and 45.6% for Scotland. It was noted that the SWP’s recycling rate for 2017/18 had been 52.3% and was a good achievement being above the national average.

The Board was pleased to note that the SWP had been recognised in the Strategy (under ‘Better waste collection and recycling’) for its commitment to collecting quality materials for recycling through its kerbside collection service, how much it recycles in the UK (over 90%), and its innovation in bringing in separate food waste collections. It was noted the SWP was the only Local Authority case study in the whole of the Government’s strategy, recognising our commitment to quality.

The Chair moved the recommendation.

The Board RESOLVED to note the contents of this information report, having discussed the implications of the proposed policies.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report.

REASON FOR DECISION:As set out in the officer report and discussed during the meeting.