Archived decisions
REPORT OF THE
Cabinet / Leader
PART II
HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE BUSINESS CASE - CONTRACT PROCUREMENT
The County Council's household waste recycling (HWRC) network provides a valuable frontline service visited by in excess of four and a half million people per annum, achieving a recycling/re-use rate of 60% and accounts for over 40% of the recycling in Hampshire. The HWRCs are managed under five separate contracts that will expire on 31 December 2007. The retendering of the contracts provides an opportunity to improve the operation of HWRCs and will aim to achieve the optimum balance between service to the public, achieving the best possible recycling levels and cost.
The effective operation of the HWRCs is currently being compromised by the illegal deposit of trade waste. It is estimated that by 2008 this illegal activity will cost the County Council over £1,000,000 per year in disposal costs and landfill tax. Such trade abuse also impacts negatively on the general running of the HWRCs which are all very busy, as extra waste is being managed and conflicts with staff arise where trade abuse is suspected. In turn this results in a reduced service to householders, can lead to the possibility of increased customer complaints, and can be a disincentive to recycling. A review has identified the need for a clear and comprehensive waste acceptance policy to address these issues.
On 30 October 2006 the Cabinet approved the principle of introducing effective trade waste controls, including a waste acceptance policy, at all HWRCs in a phased approach from April 2007. The trade waste controls will include:
· A ban on commercial vehicles, with a household recycling permit scheme for Hampshire householders who only have a commercial vehicle
· Automatic number plate recognition which identifies frequent site users and provides irrefutable evidence and traceability of their use in a way no other system can
· CCTV as a back-up to investment in Automatic Number Plate Recognition and to improve site security and monitoring
· Height barriers as an immediate restrictive measure which can be raised by site staff when needed. These will be phased in from April 2007
· Enforcement action against trade waste offenders
In respect of the formal HWRC waste acceptance policy, the main aim will be to clearly define what will and will not be accepted, particularly in the case of construction and demolition waste in relation to householder improvements.
An implementation plan for these measures will be produced in the next two months and will involve consultation with district and unitary authorities and other stakeholders to ensure all views are taken on-board and that all local issues are satisfactorily addressed. In particular, proactive measures will be taken to minimise any increase in fly-tipping through an extensive communication programme which will publicise the range of trade waste alternatives. The costs for implementing these measures will be recouped in less than two years from avoided disposal and landfill tax costs.
T. K. THORNBER, C.B.E.,
Leader.