Agenda and draft minutes

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 12 July 2021

Notes of the previous meeting were received

To receive an update on EV charging points from the Environmental Coordination Manager

The Environment Co-ordination Manager presented an update on EV charging points.  The contract for procurement of EV charging points across most West Sussex Local Authorities, including Horsham, had now been signed.  This was a concession contract with a single supplier and scheduled to run for 15 years (with option to extend by a further 5).   The Contractor will carry the majority of risk, installing and maintaining charge points using a portfolio approach to ensure less viable sites are supported by those with higher use to ensure equality of opportunity across all residents.  Charge points will be focussed on public land, including car parks and on street locations.

The group commented and raised questions in response to the update.  Key points arising included:

-          The contract does not require any direct spend from the signatory Local Authorities

-          The need for a publicly accessible EV network was underlined by Government’s declared proposal for a shift away from fuelled vehicles, and that many households do not have a home charging option. 

-          EV is recognised as sitting within the context of modal shift in overall transport behaviours

-          Charge points will have a technical profile that accommodates the majority of EV vehicle requirements with slow and fast charge options

-          Concerns were expressed about the potential impact of kerbside charge points and the risk of restricting pavement use and the risks arising from cables connecting across pavements.  The Director of Community Services agreed to take this concern to West Sussex and ask them to clarify how this would be managed.

-          Further detail on the policy with regarding to (financial) charges for use of the EV facilities was requested

To receive a presentation on WEEE (waste, electrical and electronic equipment) and textile collections, which have been carried out by the Council since May

The Recycling & Waste Strategy Manager presented an update on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and textile collections.  This project, which started in May and runs to the end of December, has met with a very positive public reaction and provides pre-bookable and kerbside collections of recyclable and reusable materials within the designated scope, including used batteries.  To date over 3000 collections have yielded 6 tonnes of electrical goods, 6 tonnes of batteries and 17 tonnes of textiles, with a small income generated from selling on reusable textiles

The group commented and raised questions in response to the update.  Key points arising included:

-          Though funded to the end of December, the project will sustain to March and options beyond that were under review.  Government requirements for similar collection schemes were expected to be rolled out from 2025

-          The Pink Van used for collections has helped to raise the profile of the scheme, though it is not equipped to deal with kerbside collections on a large scale

-          Some collected materials were sent overseas for reuse but assurances on appropriate recycling and disposal are secured in all cases

-          Recognised that initial take up was unusually high and that, now that backlogs of waste have been collected, a lower sustained level of take-up was to be expected

To receive an update from the Recycling & Waste Strategy Manager

The Interim Head of Waste presented an update on the Food Waste Trial being run in Billingshurst.  105 households have been taking part in the trial, with a broad mix of characteristics, including one multi-occupancy building.  The trial runs for 12 weeks and is scheduled to complete in mid December.  Providing participants with a means of disposing separately of food waste, the aim is to test the viability of a 3-week collection model and establish the most suitable bin capacity for any wider roll-out.  Food waste has so far accounted for around 3kg per household, with residual waste around 12kg.   Feedback had been generally positive.

The group commented and raised questions in response to the update.  Key points arising included:

-          Non-recyclable materials, notably plastic film, remain a challenge but changes in packaging practices is expected to reduce this over time

-          A service to collect absorbent waste, which included sanitary products, was also available, though recycling potential remains unclear

-          Food waste is processed across a range of processes, creating fertilizer, electricity and animal feed

-          The results from this trial are expected to shape a countywide strategy for food waste

A final report with recommendations was planned in the New Year.  The results of the trial and feedback from participants would help inform the Council’s food waste strategy

To receive a briefing from the Transport & Operations Manager before a recommendation is brought to Cabinet in January 2022

The Environmental Services Manager presented an update on the Council’s tyre procurement process, with the contract due for renewal shortly.  Horsham was a relatively small purchaser in isolation, but has joined with three other authorities to offer a more valuable joint contract for tender.  The contract will be for three years, with a two year roll-on and should provide significant cost savings.  The policy was to use remoulds in favour of new tyres wherever possible.  This is less costly and more environmentally sound.

The group commented and raised questions in response to the update.  Key points arising included:

-          Discarded tyres are taken back by the company and put to a range of recycling uses, including carpet backing and protective floor coverings for play areas.

-          Confirmed that the quality of remoulds is now equal to that of new products so there are no additional safety considerations in their use

To note the Forward Plan extract for the Environment, Recycling and Waste Portfolio

The current Forward Plan was noted by the group