Agenda item

To receive a presentation relating to waste services and fly-tipping in Enfield.

Cllr Aksanoglu chaired this item, following Cllr Yusuf’s declaration of interest.

1)    Doug Wilkinson, Debbie Campbell, Jon Sharkey, Sue McDaid and Jade Goodwin went through the presentation covering waste service changes, fly-tipping and the reuse and recycling centre and highlighted the following.

2)    The changes to service provision affected approximately 90,000 properties. In November 2019, provision changed from mixed food and garden waste collected fortnightly to a new separate weekly food recycling service and a paid for garden waste collection, also on a fortnightly basis, at a cost to residents of £65 per year.

3)    In March 2020, the collection of refuse and dry recycling changed to alternate weeks.

4)    To implement the changes, a number of workstreams were established relating to procurement, ICT, communications, operations and project governance.

5)    Communications worked well in relation to service changes and the promotion of the paid for garden service.

6)    Challenges included issues around ICT, caddy delivery and missed bins as a result of 190 new rounds being introduced. The number of missed bins has reduced considerably after the initial 6 months.

7)    Waste levels reduced over the initial phase of the service change as expected. However, when the first lockdown period was introduced and more people stayed at home, these levels increased again and in responding to the need, the service began collecting side waste in addition.

8)    During this difficult period, all collection services were maintained, even with staff shortages. In addition, extra fly-tipping crews were deployed across the borough.

9)    Resident engagement work, planned for 2020 has not been undertaken due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. This work will be undertaken in 2021/22.

10) An impact of the covid crisis included higher numbers of reported fly-tipping. To mitigate this, a growth investment of £500k has been implemented, allowing additional resources to be deployed and operating a clear all approach. Improvements have been noted in Upper Edmonton and surrounding wards.

11) It is planned to reduce fly-tipping through education and enforcement.

12) The recycling centre at Barrowell Green closed in March, following government advice that this type of facility was not essential.

13) Upon re-opening in May, a site new layout and change to service provision was in place. A new appointment system is in place, allowing 480 appointments every day, 7 days per week.

14) Details of resident’s usage, traffic improvements in the area and social distancing measures are all benefits of the new system.

15) The revised service at Barrowell Green will continue to be reviewed.

16) In summary, it has been a challenging 8 months, however, the teams have performed well in difficult circumstances.

Cllr Aksanoglu asked Members for any questions or comments.

17) It was noted that electric vehicles for refuse collection are being considered but currently it is an immature market. Approximately. £170,000 for a diesel refuse vehicle and £400,000 for an electric version. We have a fairly new fleet but affordability will be further considered as appropriate. 

18) Following a question relating to there still being only 24 hours to report a fortnightly missed collection, it was agreed that this would be monitored.  

19) It was confirmed that if a fly-tipping incident was reported via the MEQ system, this would be identified and responded to.

20)  It was noted that fly-tipping debris is searched in an attempt to identify those responsible and fixed penalty notices are issued. In addition, CCTV is deployed, there are proactive patrols in hotspot areas and the Council responds to resident reports.

21) Following a comment that fly-tipping is increasing, it was asked whether there is a strategy to address this and to possible reduce the rate to zero. In response, it was noted that  Improvements were being made but with the pandemic over the last 8 months, this has had a detrimental effect. It was planned to engage face to face with the community but this hasn’t been possible, but will take place when we are permitted.

22) The recycling rate was 33% last year and the rate for this year is currently being calculated.

23) A comment was made that fly-tipping has increased dramatically in Winchmore Hill Ward, so it is important to focus on all areas of the borough. In response it was confirmed that attention is given to all parts of the borough and as an example, a trial has been undertaken in Grovelands Road, N21, withthe refuse bins belonging to the flats above the shops being removed from public view, with the engagement of local residents. Following this successful trial, this model will be replicated elsewhere.

24) In relation to household waste, a figure of 600kgs per household was estimated for 2019/20 was noted. It was agreed that the actual figure for the period would be provided.

25) The targeted figure for recycling last year was 37% but it was confirmed that the actual figure of 33% was confirmed.

26)  A question was asked in relation to the recycling rate at Barrowell Green – is there any comparable data or any trends? In response, it was confirmed that the rate is around the contract target of 65%, however, this figure was not achieved during periods of enforced closer.

27) The mobilisation costs for the waste changes in 19/20 were going to be £1.8m. and it was confirmed that most of this sum has been spent but approximately £190K will be rolled over as a result of not being able to undertake engagement work as a result of the pandemic.

28) It was confirmed that although the 5-year business plan for 2019/20 indicated a saving of £25K following service changes,  this savings target has been exceeded significantly.

29) It was noted that the anticipated target of the number of residents subscribing to green waste bins was 25%, however the take-up rate is approximately 32% with income of £2m currently.

30)  Confirmation will be provided as to whether a Cabinet Member report was produced to approve the £500k investment for street cleansing and fly-tipping or whether this was determined via an operational report

31) In response to a question it was confirmed that approximately 65% of Fixed Penalty Notices issued are paid and the Council  arelooking at other boroughs to see how we can improve the compliance rate.

The Vice Chair thanked Offices for their presentation and responses to questions. Cllr Aksanoglu also praised the Waste Services Team for the work undertaken during the difficult, ongoing period of the pandemic.