Agenda and draft minutes

To receive the notes of the meeting held on 15 March.

The notes of the meeting held on 15 March were received.

Members received a comprehensive presentation and update from the Recycling Project Officer on the WEEE, batteries and textile collections.

The PDAG were reminded of the project aims and objectives which was primarily to divert WEEE, batteries and textiles from waste by offering a booking and collection service to residents in the district.

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) had set some high tonnage targets and although not all targets had been achieved the project had been successful. Funding for the service had been extended until June 2022 from WSCC and Members were briefed on possible options moving forward.

Three options were considered; introducing a coffee pod recycling scheme along side the current service, providing the current service inhouse with Horsham District Council funding or stopping the service.

Members were advised that a new coffee pod recycling scheme called Podback had been introduced from some of the major coffee pod system manufacturers.

Funding would be provided for start up and operational costs for the collection and recycling of coffee pods from households. The collection of coffee pods would be an added service working alongside the small WEEE and textiles booking service within the district. The scheme had proved popular in other local councils.

The PDAG were presented with information on how small WEEE and textiles could be disposed of should the service discontinue. Members were also informed that by offering the collection service, it was greatly reducing carbon emissions within the district due to less independent journeys to recycling centres.

It was concluded that the recommendation was to trial the Podback scheme until 2023 as funding would reduce initial costs and consideration could be given to the uptake. This additional service would increase recycling in the district, enhance the current service and offer convenience for those residents unable to take items to recycling centres. The PDAG learnt that a government directive was expected to introduce legislation mandating the collection of WEEE and textiles by 2025.

Overall Members felt the collection scheme had been an outstanding success – especially in rural communities and the council would like to continue to work with more district partners to offer further recycling opportunities.

A report would be considered at Cabinet in June.

An update was provided on the sweeper replacement.

A staged approach would ensure the replacement of two compact town centre sweepers to electric, refurbishment of two highway sweepers and the refurbishment of one RCV vehicle which collects refuse, recycling and green waste.

A trial had taken place of the compact electric sweepers with the town centre Cleansing Team. It was found they covered the range and capabilities required - as well as being quieter for early morning use. The new sweepers would be emission free and the first vehicles to contribute to the 3 year programme to reduce carbon emissions.

The PDAG were advised that two highway sweepers would be refurbished to enable a further 5 years of use. A trial of electric highways sweepers did not suitably meet the mileage or power required that the current vehicles offer and refurbishment was currently the most viable option.

Members were advised that to meet emission targets by 2030 RCV vehicles will need to be alternatively powered. Current battery electric vehicles (BEV) are extremely costly with poor battery range and insufficient charging infrastructure within the district. By refurbishing these vehicles for re use they would use HVO fuel saving 90% of emissions compared to diesel.

Plans to refurbish vehicles was estimated over a 3 year period: one vehicle in 2022/23, a further 10 in 2023/24 and 11 vehicles in 2024/25.

The PDAG were in agreement to the proposals and a report would go to Cabinet on 9 June.

The Commercial Waste & Recycling Manager gave the PDAG an end of project update.

Members were reminded the Reuse trial was launched in August 2021, a drop off point was positioned in Horsham Park & Ride, Hop Oast, with the aim of diverting furniture from waste and boosting recycling rates.

The trial was positive and would prove popular within West Sussex.

Over 7 tonnes of furniture was diverted from waste and provided some income primarily through online sales launched by HDC in January 2022.

Some lessons learnt were the requirement for large areas for storage space, donation points within recycling centres would be popular and joint working with other local charities. Online selling was also resource intensive.

All findings had been provided to West Sussex County Council (WSCC) to support their reuse strategy in the future. WSCC are committed to exploring reuse sites in each district and are currently conducting trials at Billingshurst household waste site.

The Recycling & Project Officer presented updates and expansion plans for the Hot bin trial. The trial had taken place to gauge residents’ interests’ in diverting both garden and hot and cold food waste to produce compost.

Trials had taken place with different sized families all using 200 litre Hot bins. Overall feedback was extremely positive and although some found the bins difficult to set up and get working, households saw a large reduction in residual waste and were impressed with the quality of compost.

An extended trial funded by West Sussex County Council will take place from the beginning of May for six months with a mixture of bin sizes to accommodate different family sizes and community groups. Weight of food waste will be recorded and monthly data reported. Hot bins currently cost £200 plus VAT for a 100 litre bin and £270 plus VAT for a 200 Litre bin.

Progress will be given at future PDAGs.

Members were concerned that the Hot bins were expensive which could deter some residents from using them. Officers advised that it was the current market rate and would explore the pricing. It was noted that this scheme would not replace kerbside collections. Members felt it was a worthwhile trial that produced good compost, quickly. They were interested to gain further feedback in the future.

To note the Forward Plan extract for the Waste & Recycling portfolio

The forward plan extract was noted.

The Director of Community Services advised Members the Procurement for Supply and fit of Tyres would be re-considered at Cabinet in June to award a contract to a recommended supplier.