Agenda item

Report of the Head of Locality Services – Commissioned.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Locality Services – Commissioned in relation to Sefton’s performance as a member of the Merseyside Waste Partnership in delivering the objectives of Merseyside’s Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy (JMWMS) during 2014/15 financial year.

The report stated that:-

·       All Merseyside Authorities had ratified the 30 year Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy “Resources Merseyside” that was developed following comprehensive resident and industry consultation.  It was also reported that the Strategy was designed to meet and support relevant European and national statutory drivers for Resource (Waste) Management, Climate Change and Low Carbon Economy aspirations.  

·       The aim of the joint waste strategy “Resource Merseyside” was to deliver waste management within the context of wider resource management and climate change by:

-        Recognising waste as a valuable resource

-        Minimising the environmental impact of waste management

-        Preventing the creation of waste on Merseyside in the first place

-        Increasing re-use, recycling, composting and the recovery of energy from waste

-        Reducing the amount of waste to land fill

-        Raising awareness and promoting education in resource efficiency, making it easier for everyone to contribute to sustainable waste management activities

-        Consuming less but producing more

-        Tackling climate change by the reduction of carbon emissions from waste management and support for our Low Carbon economy

-        Protecting and enhancing our environment

-        Using and generating renewable energy fuels

·       Progress against the JMWMS is included in the annual work programme of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Regeneration and Skills).  The report highlighted that Sefton Council was unable to deliver the objectives of the strategy alone and that collective action from all Merseyside Waste partners was required in order that the objectives of the Strategy are achieved in the most economic manner and future direct financial and environmental liabilities minimised.  All partners had previously signed a memorandum of understanding to work together for the best mutual interest and this bolsters the statutory based joint working relationships.  

·       It was reported that the Annual Merseyside Waste Partnership performance report was not available for 2014/15 and so the report referred to Sefton’s performance in relation to the District Council Action Plan (DCAP) 2012/21 approved by Sefton Council Cabinet in December 2011 along with the JMWMS.

Members raised the following questions and observations:

·       There have been concerns raised by residents regarding the significant amount of green waste towards the end of the winter months.  In view of this would it be feasible to start the collection of the green waste a little earlier?  Response:  The Council has a programme of work that is based on the available budget and so to vary the programme of work would have a budget implication.

·       Where does the Boroughs green waste go and what happens to it?  Response:  The green waste is collected and taken to White Moss where it’s treated and a process is undertaken to turn into a product.  The Council has to pay a fee; it would be a significant challenge for the Council to undertake that process.

·       Where are residents expected to dispose of the sand that is windblown from the sand dunes in the Blundellsands area?  Response:  Sand should not be disposed of in any of the bins.  Residents could use the sand in the garden as a natural additive to soil. 

RESOLVED:

That Sefton’s performance and the adequacy of progress against the objectives of Merseyside’s Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy   during 2014/15 be noted.