Agenda item

Report of the Democratic Services Manager.

Members welcomed Councillor Marje Paling, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services (Operations) to the meeting to examine her portfolio. Councillor Paling gave an update to members on some key happenings within her portfolio.

No questions were received from Members in advance of the meeting, so Councillor Paling delivered an update on the various areas of responsibility within her portfolio. She gave the following updates:

Cabinet had adopted The Waste & Recycling Policy in June 2022 which set out to formalise the approach and to address areas of under-performance in relation to recycling rates and levels of recycling contamination. The Waste and Fleet Manager had been working with the refuse teams to give them fresh focus in targeting households that contaminate their recycling bins.

A winter educational pilot campaign had taken place to increase levels of recycling and reduce contamination and residual waste using bin contamination tags with QR codes printed on them. This was implemented in areas with high levels of bin contamination such as Mapperley, Lambley and Burton Joyce areas. It was noted that the labels were recyclable and sustainable, and incorporate a ‘Don’t Waste Your Recycling’ campaign message.

Members noted that the Waste Projects Officer and Waste Manager have been working to deliver a new in-cab round scheduling and reporting software system called Abavus. As part of the process, the refuse rounds data has been sense checked which includes adding data onto the new system for Garden Waste, Bulky Waste and Trade Waste Rounds. Historically, this data was on paper-based systems which were not effective. The new software links in real time with customer services and offers residents the ability to report missed collections through a ‘My Gedling App’ which also provides residents with up-to-date information on bin collection issues where they live.

Members noted that Gedling Borough Council (GBC) manages three allotments sites in Arnold. Waiting lists for these sites continue to be high. It was highlighted that on average there was a two year waiting list which was kept up to date by writing annually to those still waiting.

Councillor Paling noted that cemetery inspections and maintenance were still carried out by GBC’s Parks and Street Care (PASC) Supervisors and grounds maintenance operatives. It was noted that Burials are undertaken by a trained grave-digging team, ensuring that all health and safety rules and regulations continue to be adhered to. Measures to combat anti-social behaviour in GBC cemeteries involve regular patrols by Wardens and PCSO’s when funerals are not taking place. It was noted that cemetery satisfaction levels remain high and customer satisfaction surveys showed an 87% satisfaction rate for 2023/24.

The Chair gave members the opportunity to ask questions.

Members queried the response time for reported missed bins via the QR tagging and Abavus systems.

Councillor Paling informed members that bins would be collected within 3 working days after the resident confirms that the contamination is removed. The bin collection crews also return the same day when an entire street is blocked.

Members queried whether streets were swept immediately after flooding occurs in the borough to prevent leaves from blocking drains.

The Head of Environment confirmed that crews did go out to sweep hotspot areas immediately after flooding events and Nottingham County Council (NCC) teams attend any blocked drains with suction equipment to clear them.

Members queried the DEFRA figures within the report, asking whether plans were being made based on the figures from 2023 or whether there is still room for negotiation.

The Head of Environment confirmed that negotiations were ongoing as needs vary across the country.

Members queried a recent comms statement regarding bin collection calendars and asked whether GBC plan to continue sending them out to residents.

The Head of Environment confirmed that although there is a push to become more digital, bin calendars were still available for printing on the GBC website and can also be sent to residents on request.

RESOLVED to:

The Chair thanked Councillor Paling for the information provided.