URL: https://stroud.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=232

Decision Maker: Environment Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To outline the rationale and implications of collecting small electrical items at the kerbside.

Content: The Waste and Recycling Contracts Manager advised that the report requested Committees approval for the collection of household batteries and vapes at the kerbside from 1 April 2025. Residents could present batteries and vapes weekly in a clear plastic bag and place on top of the food waste bins before being placed into a separate compartment on the vehicle away from other waste. She explained further work on containment methods was being undertaken for communal properties for safe disposal. All costs were already factored into existing budgets.   She further advised that there was potential to collect additional recyclate items further down the line such as small electrical items and/or textiles, however the outcome from the current consultation needed to be reviewed and the retrofitting of vehicles for introducing small electrical items at the kerbside would also need to be considered.   Councillor Watson asked if SDC had considered ‘on the go’ storage and containment facilities on estates for vapes. The Waste and Recycling Contracts Manager explained the focus was on kerbside currently however supermarkets had disposal centres.   In response to Councillors Brown and Duttons’ questions on communication methods to residents, the Waste and Recycling Contracts Manager advised social media, local magazines, bin tagging and the SDC website could be used for messaging. Contingency solutions would be needed in the first few weeks of implementation to factor in increased uptakes following communications.   Councillor Canning thanked the officer for responding to her questions outside of Committee.   Proposed by Councillor Watson, seconded by Councillor Canning.   Councillor Dutton commented that the proposal reduced fire risk incidents and allowed more materials to be recovered, including a specific disposal route for vapes, to reduce littering. She also highlighted she was pleased SDC promoted repair and reuse in the first instance.   Councillor Watson advised that the precautionary measure to give delegated authority in the recommendation was sensible so that they could explore further recyclate options and thanked the officers for the report.   Councillor Simkiss asked how SDC could signpost to repair and reuse companies without promoting one business over another. The Chair, Councillor Turner advised the waste wizard website identified repair cafes across the district. The Community Services Environment Manager advised that the next report on the agenda on the UK Repair and Reuse Declaration tied into Councillor Simkiss question as the declaration would require legislators to make it simpler to repair electrical items.   Councillor Canning stated that she was pleased that the Committee were in support of the report and Councillor Watson encouraged more recyclate options available at the kerbside.   On being put to the vote, the Motion was carried unanimously.   RESOLVED a)    To approve Officer recommendation for the collection of household batteries and vapes/e-cigs at the kerbside. b)   To give delegated authority to the Community Services Environment Manager, in consultation with the committee Chair and Vice Chair, to make further alterations to improve the recyclate variety collectible at the kerbside. c)    To accept the recommendation and proceed to introduce the collection of small electrical items at the kerbside.  

Date of Decision: December 5, 2024