The Task Group at its last meeting agreed to obtain further evidence for the Streetscene Inquiry and accordingly the following Members of staff have been invited to attend this meeting to enable Members to put forward any questions or queries regarding the Streetscene service.
Jo Oliver Waste and Contaminated Land Team Leader (Waste Management Section of the Neighbourhoods Directorate)
Steven Hart Streetscene and Transport Manager (Streetscene, Neighbourhoods Directorate)
Minutes:
To enable Members to put forward any questions or queries regarding the Streetscene Service the under mentioned officers attended the meeting.
Jo Oliver (Waste and Contaminated Land Team Leader)
Steven Hart (Streetscene and Transport Manager)
Jo Oliver reported that she was involved in the waste management collection and the recycling of waste.
Currently two recycling litterbins had been installed on a six-month trial at the entrance Market Walk and Chapel Street. Initial impression so far was that there had been a high level of contamination, however, there were plans for better publicity to inform the public about the type of recycling waste that could be put into the bins. These bins would not be suitable for everywhere in the Borough.
Other issues that were of a concern was fly tipping. Litterbins often attract fly tipping for domestic and trade premises. It was currently difficult to obtain evidence, as most forms of identification could not be found.
A concern was raised that the market stalls on a Saturday throwaway vegetables at the end of the day into a bin and a request was made for them to be recycled.
In response food waste should not go into a recycle brown bin because of a possible spread by birds and danger of the foot and mouth.
It was reported that currently Burnley, Blackpool and Pendle spend a lot of money on recycling but do not have the same quality. The quality of material collected had been poor with paper being the most contaminated material. It is understood that the recycling bins cost in the range of £500 to £800 per unit.
Regarding the prosecution of fly tippers it was reported that the authority does have the power to prosecute and would be used providing evidence is found and it would be appropriate.
Steve Hart reported that he was responsible for Streetecene Service and the Transportation.
He outlined the frequencies for the schedules fro litterbins emptying and street cleaning and the types of vehicles used.
Operatives report back any bins that are damaged and those that are consistently full.
Members suggested that those bins constantly full should be replaced with larger ones.
Members gave examples in their particular wards were bins are consistently full on Fridays and Saturdays if they were near to fish and chip shops and fast food outlets.
An outline on the service given over the Christmas and New Year holiday period when 3 / 4 vehicles go out to empty bins on main roads and shopping centres (eg. Eaves Lane, Chorley, Adlington).
It was pointed out that the budget for litterbins was fixed, however, a policy existed whereby bins are swapped around.
It was put forward that Euxton Parish Council would be willing to pay for larger bins, for use around the shopping area.
It was suggested that if a larger bin were supplied operatives would not have to visit the site as often.
When asked whether there was any difficulties in operatives providing feedback on the size of bins, it was pointed out that they do report those bins that are situated on a post, as they are open to the rain and are often used for dog waste.
With regard to the problem of cigarette ends outside pubs a suction machine is used to remove them.
Members expressed their concern at the responsibility of fast food outlets of cleaning up around their premises of litter and food wrappers and that they should ensure that they keep their perimeter clear.
It was suggested that Neighbourhood Officers be encouraged to look at these problem area and increase where necessary the enforcement and perhaps have an awareness campaign with the fast food outlets as to their community responsibilities.