Agenda item

Mr Miller, Street Scene Director presented the report. He reported that the Community Skip Service would begin in the autumn allowing residents to drop off bulky waste items at pre-advertised locations around the Borough. It would be operated on the basis that all  residents would have access near to their homes four times a year. Mr Miller noted that the report also seeks delegated authority for him to implement the process, in consultation with the Chair.

Cllr Longstaff asked whether the service would be stopped during evaluation. Mr Miller responded that the service would continue with no break.

Cllr Whysall enquired whether data would be collected on the type of items being left at the skip, and data used to map how far people travel to them to inform future skip locations. Mr Miller responded that this data would be collected for this use.

Cllr Wakeley enquired whether items would be sent to landfill or recycled. Mr Miller responded that general items would go into the waste but a separate section would be included for items that can be recycled. Work may be taken forward with the not-for-profit sector on the repurposing of items.

Cllr Ambe asked why the skip would focus on larger domestic items. Mr Miller responded that bulky waste items are currently collected through  bulky waste collection services and the pilot period would show whether there is a demand for collection of other items.

Cllr Grover enquired whether the choice of area would be Ward based. Mr Miller responded that this is to be decided but the service would operate in two locations in a given day with a vehicle to move between them. Further details would be brought back to the Committee. It would be planned and communicated before going live.

Cllr Grover asked about the use of an additional vehicle which is not carbon neutral. The Chair responded that it is hoped that this would reduce the number of collections due to fly tipping.

Cllr Longstaff asked how the opening times of 7am to 1pm would suit busy people. Mr Miller responded that hours had been selected that could be delivered within the current staffing base. There are other free of charge facilities in the Borough such as Summers Lane. The Community Skip Service is only one part of the solution for residents.

Cllr Longstaff asked whether disposal costs are factored into the budget. Mr Miller responded that these were included.

Cllr Radford asked officers to ensure that the Community Skip Service is well communicated to residents.

Action: Mr Miller

Cllr Innocenti asked whether residents would be able to take items from the skip to repurpose. Mr Miller said that there could be liability issues for Barnet but this would be considered.

Cllr Cohen asked whether staff would receive any training, for example to deal with disagreements on what can be left in the skip. Mr Miller noted that provision is in place for supervisory staff to be on site but once the service starts this can be monitored.

Cllr Wakeley asked what the current income is from the bulky waste collections. Mr Miller responded that it generates around £125k but he could return to the Committee with more information as this would change with the Community Skip Service in place.

The Chair moved to a vote on the officer’s recommendations, which were unanimously approved.

RESOLVED that the recommendations were approved.