Agenda item

Judy Homes, Assistant Chef executive introduced the report.  She highlighted that a report had been considered by the Scrutiny Committee for Community, Customer Services and Service Delivery on 17 November.  Their discussions were detailed in the report and the committee had carefully considered all the issues.  The Committee advise Cabinet to commence a 1-2-3 food waste collection service and to provide a long-term commitment for food  collection service in the District when the Government have announced their strategy.  She highlighted the issues with West Sussex County Council as the disposal authority and the potential impact of roll out of the service.

The Leader reminded Members to limit the discussion to the open paper.  He welcomed the report, noting that the proposed earlier trial was postponed due to the pandemic.  It was important to increase the recycling rates in the District and stated that many other councils already offer this service. 

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Service Delivery welcomed the comments and advice from the scrutiny committee.  He highlighted that most residents want the Council to proceed with a food waste collection service, the pandemic  prevented the trial, and most residents are still very supportive.  Families are keen to be involved with the trial and the trial would highlight a positive role of the Council.  The food waste collection service will make the biggest single difference in recycled waste and will increase the current recycling rate of 45%.  He advised that not all families can compost their food waste, Mid Sussex will be the first local authority to undertake a substantial pilot in West Sussex and the trial will provide valuable data. He noted the cost of £56,000 to 2024, the benefits of the trial, and the challenges faced by West Sussex County Council as a disposal authority.  He commended the work of officers who had worked with Serco and West Sussex County Council to make the timeline as quick as possible, and he supported the recommendations.

The Cabinet Member for Community confirmed his support and noted it would be a complicated process.  He also thanked all officers involved with the trial.

                  The Deputy Leader confirmed the Council had made a commitment a number of years ago and was pleased the Council was able to start the trial. The trial might encourage other authorities in West Sussex to provide a similar service.  She was optimistic that when new burdens funding was available the Council could use the funding appropriately.

                  The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth concurred with the other Members, he noted the risks of the trial as the composition of food waste can quickly change, the Government had not yet published their strategy and he commended the Council for proceeding with the trial.

                  The Cabinet Member for Customer Services agreed that the data could be the catalyst to help other districts introduce a similar service.  She queried when the Government would mandate authorities to the introduction of a food waste collection service.      The Assistant Chief Executive confirmed the latest budget suggested a government mandate for introduction of a food waste collection service in 2024/25.

                  The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning noted that the trial would reduce the landfill rates of the District and good communications to the residents about the service was important.

The Leader  confirmed it would be the largest trial in West Sussex and would provide important data and feedback from the residents of the District.