Agenda item

Report of the Chair of the Public Waste Bins Task and Finish Group

The Chair of the Public Waste Bins Task and Finish Group submitted a report (previously circulated), presenting the outcomes and findings of the group, established to look at the current and future levels of service provided by the Council in relation to public waste bins and any particular issues which may be affecting the service.

It was reported that the Task and Finish Group was established following agreement at a meeting of the Communities and Local Services Scrutiny Committee held on 27 October, 2022; and a meeting of the Task and Finish Group was held on 11 November 2022, with all Members of the Scrutiny invited to participate.

The submitted report stated that Members of the Task and Finish Group held an in-depth discussion regarding the service provided by the Council in relation to public waste bins, this included the operating model for the service, staffing arrangements, bin sizes and locations and fly tipping; and overall Members had a better understanding of the service provided by the Council in relation to public waste bins. The group acknowledged that resources were limited however were assured that the circumstances which led to bins not being emptied in the summer period, had been addressed.

Discussion ensued regarding the MyDarlington app and the need for clearer wording in relation to reporting full waste bins and following a question the Local Services Portfolio Holder advised Members that an update would be sought from Comms.

RESOLVED – That the Scrutiny Committee approve the recommendations of the Task and Finish Group :-

(a)    That the Communities and Local Services Scrutiny Committee receives an update at a future meeting regarding the digitalisation of the service.

(b)   That bin usage continues to be reviewed to ensure bins are appropriately placed.

(c)    That the MyDarlington app is regularly promoted.