Agenda item

The Cabinet Member with the Leisure and Local Environment Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the introduction of an ‘opt in’ pay for use Garden Waste Collection Service for residents of the Borough.

The submitted report stated that all the other north-east authorities provided a fortnightly service, either using a wheeled bin or sack, with six of them charging for the service and five of them not; outlined the current options available to residents of the Borough to dispose of their garden waste; the proposal to introduce a fortnightly charged for garden waste collection service for a 30 week period from April to November, using a 240 litre bin, at a proposed cost of £35 per year; and the financial and legal implications of introducing the service, with a proposed start date of April 2019.

Particular reference was made to the benefits that the scheme would have on both the environment and on recycling rates.

RESOLVED – (a)  That a consultation exercise with residents of the Borough, be approved, to gauge interest for the introduction of a Garden Waste Collection Service. 

(b)  That subject to enough residents wanting to participate in a Garden Waste Collection Service, the new service be introduced from April 2019 and that the final decision to implement the service be delegated to the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services in consultation with Cabinet Member for Leisure and Local Environment Portfolio. 

REASON - Subject to enough interest from residents, to enable a Garden Waste Collection Service to be introduced.