Agenda item

Approve the right to take the Waste and Recycling Strategy to public consultation, so that we receive feedback from the residents of Gwynedd.

The report was submitted by Cllr. Craig ab Iago. 

DECISION

Approve the right to take the Waste and Recycling Strategy to public consultation, so that we receive feedback from the residents of Gwynedd. 

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted stating that the document was a request for permission to enter a public consultation. Pride was noted about the content of the document, explaining that the strategy had been led by former Cabinet member Cllr. Dafydd Meurig. It was explained that the strategy highlighted what the department's principles were on waste and recycling along with how it would be possible to act in accordance with these principles. It was stressed that there was an environmental crisis and that there was a need to look more widely than the Council to solve it.

It was expressed that there were obvious problems seen internationally with clothing companies dumping tonnes of waste annually. It was explained that the national target was to recycle 70% but it was questioned why more should not be recycled.

Looking nationally, it was noted that there was no obvious plan to be seen, but that north Wales councils were working together to incinerate non-recyclable waste to generate electricity. The need to see waste as a resource was highlighted.

The Head of Department added that the strategy set out the principles of the service following a change of department about a year and a half previously. Priorities were identified which included improving customer care, tackling sickness levels, managing overspend and meeting the national target of 70%. It was explained that sickness levels were now falling, the level of customer care had increased, and the number of complaints and service overspending had decreased.

It was noted that the Council had failed to meet its target this year and therefore needed the strategy in order to set a clear path on how to achieve the target next year. It was highlighted that 57% of the county's waste currently was bin waste that could be recycled. It was noted that there were 6 objectives within the strategy to assist in reducing waste and meeting targets. It was stressed that presenting the strategy today was the start of the journey in order to be able to go to public consultation.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·         The report was supported by stating the emphasis needed on educating residents, highlighting that residents needed to be a partner with the Council. Thanks were given for the equality report which gave fair and considerate representations of the needs of older people or people with disabilities.

·         Thanks were given for a simple and easy to read and understand report.

·         It was asked how the department was going to carry out the consultation and asked if the recycling boxes remained fit for purpose as more and more cardboard reached people's homes. It was noted that the department was working with the communications department to try to get a high number of responses, and they would also go to communities and to specific groups as well. With regard to recycling carts, it had been noted that recycling vehicles were designed for the size of the boxes currently available, and it may be necessary to educate which cardboard to put in the cart and when the recycling centres needed to be used.