Committee received and noted a report that outlined the recommendations of a recycling Scrutiny Challenge Session.  It was noted that recycling and waste disposal are services supplied to all households in the borough.  Increasing recycling rates and reducing contamination of recycling waste will have a financial benefit to the whole community through a reduced budget spend on waste disposal. The current cost of disposing of uncontaminated recycling waste is £17.85 per tonne compared to up to £129.05 for heavily contaminated recycling waste.  Savings could potentially be diverted to other frontline services that residents rely on.  In addition, the Committee was informed that one of the aims of the challenge session was to look at best practice in positively influencing residents to recycle more and right.  Recommendations have had regard to households who may be on low incomes as they relate to better communications and incentives rather than penalties e.g. Recommendation three was aimed at supporting residents to recycle more, and to recycle right despite any language barriers they may face.  As a result of discussions on the report the Committee:

a.    Agreed the draft report and the recommendations; and

b.    Authorised the Interim Service Head Corporate Strategy & Equality to amend the draft report before submission to Cabinet, after consultation with the Scrutiny Lead.