Issue - meetings

To consider the implications of the Environment Act on waste and recycling services within Cheshire East.

Paul Bayley introduced the item, he advised the Committee that the report provided an overview of the potential changes to waste and recycling services within the borough, as a result of the Environmental Bill currently progressing through Parliament.

Based on proposals included within a consultation undertaken by Government, there could be mandatory changes for all Local Authorities from 2023.  If these changes were mandated there could be a significant cost to the Council, although, Government have advised that any new burdens would be funded centrally.

There was some debate by the Committee that included:

·         Many Local Authorities had strongly objected to the changes given the already incurred expense in setting up current waste and recycling services;

·         Waste management companies had objected to the proposals and fed into the consultation;

·         The question of Extended Producer Responsibility fund being able to cover the cost of the changes;

·         Single use rubbish;

·         The possibility of skip days, particularly in rural areas, or for those who were vulnerable or did not drive; and

·         The current battery life for electric vehicles was insufficient.

The Committee agreed that any consultation documentation should be in plain English and easy to access for all residents.

It was noted the issue of bulky waste had been raised during public speaking,

And that some of the Household Waste and Recycling Centres had closed down.  The question of the council being able to collect small items to be recycled from community venues on designated days was discussed, Paul Bayley advised community recycling would be an idea for consideration as part of the waste and recycling changes.

It was noted the Government Consultation was scheduled from April-July 2021, the question was raised as to when this would become available.

RESOLVED: That:

a)    authority be delegated to the Head of Environmental Services to consult on potential service changes, if required by requirements of the final form of Environment bill once it passes into legislation; and

b)    the results of the Government Consultation be shared with this Committee when available.