Presentation – To Follow.

The Committee received a presentation on the waste and recycling covering service initiatives; current priorities and the priorities going forward. The  protection of the environment and the health of the population is a key issue for the Borough’s residential and businesses communities. The main points raised as a result of questioning maybe summarised as follows:

The Committee:

v  Indicated that it wished to know (i) how waste and recycling is performing since the Service came back in-house; (ii) how the Service is responding to  resident complaints (e.g. missed bin collections; fly-tipping contamination of recycling and issues with the underground waste storage systems over the more traditional wheeled bin system).

v  Noted with regard to underground refuse service there have been issues with the specially adapted collection vehicles breaking down and to ensure that collections are made at every site, operatives have  at times had to mix the general household waste and recycling collections which makes it difficult to segregate the general household waste from the recycling.

v  In response it was noted that the report were in relation to general household waste and recycling collections and not the underground refuse service. The Committee was advised that that was not normal practice and would need the details of any report so that it could be investigated and resolved. Notwithstanding the indicated that the perception amongst some residents is that at times recycling is being taken away as general household waste.

v  Noted that LBTH takes a zero-tolerance approach with those who illegally dump waste whether it is a business or an individual, it is unacceptable behaviour. The Strategy to address illegal waste is supported by an effective programme of communication on the deterrent and enforcement.

v  Noted that wherever possible contaminated waste is marked up by the crews very clearly so that residents know this is contaminated recycling and will be picked within a 24-hour frame.

v  Noted that LBTH has recently launched a new scheme entitled “Champions Recycling Champions” it is aimed at anyone over 18 who lives in Tower Hamlets or works for a housing provider or community organisation in Tower Hamlets and is interested in improving recycling and reducing waste. The Recycling Champions help to spread the word about reducing, reusing, and recycling in Tower Hamlets! They are intended to make a positive contribution to their neighbourhood, help the environment, meet new people, and learn new things. The Champions remit therefore is really to encourage their peers and neighbours to recycle and reduce waste. There is also information on the website and those who want to take ownership of their neighbourhood and want to be involved can complete an online form, also LBTH is keen to be interactive and are looking at ways to communicate the message regarding waste and recycling.

v  Was also advised that LBTH hold regular meetings with Borough’s Housing Association’s which helps to maintain a dialogue and the specific issue of  additional charges has been raised and LBTH are working  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8