The Cabinet has decided to approve recommendations to enhance recycling initiatives and invest in a replacement sort line for recycling materials.

URL: https://democracy.middevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1428

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet had before it a report * from the Head of People, Performance & Waste and the Operations Manager for Street Scene and Open Spaces providing information regarding proposals to stimulate greater resident awareness and participation with the Bin-It 123 scheme and a review of potential additional recycling material collections that would be a priority including an implementation timetable.   The Cabinet Member for Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following:    A 12‑month waste service implementation plan had been developed, including pilot collections, new recycling containers, resident awareness campaigns and increased capacity ahead of the Christmas period. The service had achieved 5% recycling performance in 2024/25, generating approximately £3 million in income and a projected £1.41 million Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) payment. Members were advised that further improvements in recycling could generate an additional £660,000 for reinvestment in frontline services. Work had been undertaken with schools, communities and Councillors to promote recycling and improve access to food caddies and recycling containers. A food waste education and enforcement campaign had commenced to increase recycling rates and improve compliance. Progress had been made on the depot reconfiguration, including improved facilities, increased recycling capacity and site enhancements. Approval was sought for additional capital investment of approximately £1 million to replace the recycling sort line, funded in part through EPR funding. It was noted that failure to replace the sort line would increase health and safety risks and could result in the loss of around £175,000 in annual income. It was emphasised that the investment would support the Council’s position as a leader in recycling and strengthen future waste service provision.   Discussion took place with regards to: Appreciation was expressed for the clear presentation of the timeline, charts and figures within the report and noted that around 3,000 tonnes of food waste continued to be disposed of in black bins, representing approximately 25% of residual waste. A concern was raised that the use of intervention stickers should take into account which residents compost or produce very little food waste. It was suggested that the accompanying communications campaign should emphasise that the stickers formed part of an educational initiative to encourage recycling, rather than being perceived as a punitive measure. Whether the site visit included Bonster the food monster.- It was confirmed that this was correct. A question was raised regarding the significant increase in the estimated cost of replacing the sort line, from approximately £150,000 to around £1 million. It was explained that the cost of materials had increased over the years. The new sort line was considered essential for the effective separation of recyclable materials and for supporting future recycling initiatives, including soft plastics collection. Clarification was sought on the reasons for the increased investment requirement and the need for replacement, given that the existing sort line had been identified as being at the end of its economic life. It was explained that the existing sort line had been in operation for approximately 13–15 years and had been transferred from the previous depot. Whether the plastic sack for the soft plastic collection was a single use sack or reuseable. It was confirmed it was reuseable.   RESOLVED that:   The implementation timetable regarding future proposals and reforms related to the Bin-It 123 scheme was NOTED and APPROVED.   Cabinet supported the steps detailed in this paper to reinvigorate resident focus on recycling and the upcoming enforcement activity regarding food waste.   Cabinet approves and recommends to Full Council an increase in the Capital Programme of up to £1,000,000 to purchase a replacement sort line for its recycling materials and allows for a permanent collection of soft plastics (flexibles) in April 2027.   As recommended by the Service Delivery and Continuous Improvement Policy Development Group.    (Proposed by Cllr J Wright and seconded by Cllr Steve Keable)   Reason for Decision: This report identifies within the Corporate Plan for 2024-2028, and in particular 5.2 – We will increase our recycling services, enabling our communities to achieve even higher levels of recycling. Supporting and enabling customers to recycle and reduce residual waste contributes to the Council’s commitment to the Devon Climate Emergency.   Note: *Report previously circulated  

Date of Decision: July 7, 2026