New national policy mean more changes
Stirling Council’s waste collection system looks set for another shake up just three years after controversial changes sparked bin chaos.
National waste policy changes mean the authority has to rethink its own waste and resource plan.
Biodegradable municipal waste - more commonly known as black sack waste - is being banned from landfill by 2025.
A deposit return scheme is also due to be introduced in Scotland from 2021 placing a deposit levy on drinks containers, including all drinks sold in plastic, metal and glass, with deposits being reclaimed on return
Council officials told the environment and housing committee last Thursday:“These national shifts will impact on the volumes, methods and costs associated with uplifting and processing of waste materials, with the overarching ambition being to drive valuable material out of the residual waste stream and reduce environmental impact.
“Through an internal review of waste collection and disposal via the Waste Transformation Board, the service has identified a number of areas where improvements can be made in order to provide best value and drive efficiencies. These include areas such as collections routing, fleet efficiency and customer engagement.”
A four-wheelie bin system and new route introduced in autumn 2016, however, had caused widespread disruption over almost a year and resulted in mounting costs. Earlier this year the council had to plough an extra £500,000 into the waste services budget, which by then was running at a deficit of almost £700,000.
Trossachs and Teith Tory councillor Martin Earl said:“Given it’s such an emotive subject, and we all know that, I think this should come back to every committee meeting as we work through the plan. We know where we have been with this and I don’t have to go through the history.
“We all want to get it absolutely right and nailed properly this time. It’s such an important service and has been such an issue so we need to be seen to give this regular attention at committees.”
Officials, however, said work would be being done through a steering group and could be reported back as necessary outwith annual reporting. They said they recommended reporting back to the committee annually because of the availability of data. Groups such as Transition Stirling would be involved in the process.
Committee chair Councillor Jim Thomson said:“The reason I set up the steering group, which is all party and non-political, is because it’s an emotive issue. It’s key we have this all-party approach and there is nothing to stop us bringing back reports.
“We are going out to engage with the public and no change will be made without debate in this chamber, I can assure you of that.”
Labour councillor Danny Gibson said he could“count on one hand”the number of complaints he had received about bins from his constituents since waste manager Kevin McCormick took over the service earlier this year.
Councillor Earl’s motion to have the matter as a standing item on the committee’s agenda was voted down despite being backed by fellow Tories Alistair Berrill and Alastair Majury. The committee then unanimously agreed to the development process for the waste and resources plan, to be brought back for approval at the committee in April next year, and to conduct a series of internal and external engagements related to the proposal.