Agenda and minutes

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest

To provide an opportunity for Members to declare the existence of a party whip in relation to any item on the agenda.

There were no whipping declarations

A total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to make a statement(s) on any matter that falls within the remit of the Committee.

Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes, but the Chairman will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned, where there are a number of speakers.

Note: In order for officers to undertake any background research, it would be helpful if members of the public contacted the Scrutiny officer listed at the foot of the agenda, at least one working day before the meeting to provide brief details of the matter to be covered.

There were no members of the public present wishing to speak

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 24 March 2015 as a correct record.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 24 March 2015

RESOLVED

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive a presentation by R Kemp, Commissioning Manager for Waste and Recycling

Consideration was given to a presentation on recycling Green Waste and Food Waste through Anaerobic Digestion to generate energy and a high quality compost, prior to a report being submitted to Cabinet in September 2015.

The presentation detailed the current situation and following drivers for change:

·         The current contract for the processing of kerbside garden waste would expire in March 2016 (extendable to 2017). Savings needed to be made on the current contract costs. Currently only garden waste could be collected due to the process used.

·         As part of its Waste and Energy Strategy, the Council would be seeking to utilise waste streams as a resource for energy production.

·         Initial indications from the EC suggested there would a 70% recycling rate by 2030 and a ban.

An initial feasibility study indicated that there was a potential of 5-6,000 tonnes of food waste from kerbside collection, £12.5 million capital build over a 2 year period and net present value of £10.35m over 27 years.

Technical specialists were carrying out a feasibility study of potential sites and revising the business case which would be submitted to Cabinet in September for a joint venture project. If approval were to be given, procurement engagement with potential suppliers would commence in Autumn 2015.

Members questioned how the facility would cope in winter, when there was less garden waste. R Kemp highlighted that there would continue to be a garden waste collection throughout the year, however the process would slow down due to the type of waste being digested i.e. grass cutting in summer and woody material during the winter.

It was suggested that the possibility of a partnership with schools and hospitals be investigated as they would have a large amount of food waste. Another possibility would be to use the energy to run Council vehicles.

Following a discussion regarding tyres and chemical waste, it was requested that a description of the various types of waste and how it can be disposed of be circulated to the Committee.

RESOLVED

That a description of the various types of waste and how it can be disposed of be circulated to the Committee.