Content

Implementation and Operation of the Blue Bag Recycling Scheme
for paper and cardboard
 
Cabinet NOTED the comments made
by Sheila Darr (as a local resident) in
support of a petition containing 3,422 signatures regarding the
practical implementation and operational concerns relating to the
recently introduced blue bag recycling scheme across the
borough.  In addressing Cabinet, Sheila
Darr began by calling for the scheme to
be replaced as it was felt to represent an unworkable extension of
the existing blue bin scheme.  In
seeking to highlight the views of those who had signed the
petition, Cabinet was advised of the concerns raised relating to the design
and quality of the blue recycling bags, which were felt to be
inefficient and as a result discourage residents from
recycling.  Additionally, Cabinet was
advised that many elderly residents had expressed concern regarding
the potential consequences of putting unsuitable items in the blue
bags and them not being collected as a result.
 
In discussing potential GDPR and
data protection implications of paper and cardboard containing
personal details such as names and addresses being misplaced due to
the unsecure nature of the bags, Sheila Darr also raised concern regarding the protection
of residents’ personal information and queried how documents
containing sensitive information could be suitability disposed of.
Furthermore, in emphasising the need for resident support to
improve recycling rates, a request was made for the planned review
of the scheme to be brought forward and undertaken immediately in
order for resident feedback to be taken into account, recognising
the level of concern expressed and enabling further research on
schemes that had been successful in securing support from local
residents across other boroughs.  As an
example, the suggested use of split recycling bins with removable
dividers or retention of the blue recycling bins for paper and card
with the provision of smaller recycling bins for tin, plastic and
glass were identified as possible alternative solutions.
 
To conclude, Sheila Darr felt it would be helpful to share examples of
the type of comments being raised by other residents across the
borough which had been posted on the Nextdoor App in relation to the blue bag
scheme.  These included concerns
regarding stolen bags, the space available in the bags,
difficulties for disabled residents and recycling bags not being
collected or left and a lack of assisted support for those
residents with specific needs who required assistance.
 
In response, Councillor
Muhammed Butt (responding as Leader of the Council on behalf of
Councillor Krupa Sheth - Cabinet Member for Environment,
Infrastructure and Climate Action), firstly thanked Sheila
Darr for attending Cabinet and all
those residents who had signed the petition for taking the time to
ensure their views were represented. In reiterating the
Council’s commitment to tackling the climate emergency and
work towards the achievement of net zero by 2030, Councillor Butt
explained that the changes introduced as part of the blue bag
scheme had been designed to increase recycling rates in order to
bring the borough closer to its environmental and climate related
goals.
 
Regarding the specific issues
raised as part of the presentation of the petition, the Leader
reassured residents that the concerns relating to the design and
quality of the recycling bags were being addressed with the
supplier and confirmed that replacement bags were also available
for those reported as damaged along with additional bags for
residents requiring increased recycling capacity.  In terms of contamination, the Leader advised that
the concerns raised relating to the impact of adverse weather
conditions on the paper and card being placed in the blue bags when
left out for collection was also being monitored with the
Council’s contractor so that any issues identified could be
addressed.
 
To demonstrate the positive
impact that the blue bag scheme was having on recycling rates,
Councillor Butt advised that since introduction of the scheme in
October 2023 there had been a 264% increase in the recycling rate
of paper and cardboard, with this enabling the Council to also
explore opportunities to generate additional income through
recycling to mitigate against the recent budget cuts and continued
financial pressures being faced by the Council.  Regarding the planned review of the scheme, the
Leader advised that this had been scheduled to provide an
opportunity to fully consider its impact utilising all available
evidence in order to consider any changes that may be required as
part of the transition process with it pointed out, in terms of
research, that a number of other councils had or were also
considering the introduction of similar types of recycling schemes
in an attempt to increase their recycling rates.
 
In concluding Councillor Butt,
in once again highlighting the Council’s climate and
environmental commitments, emphasised the importance of waste and
recycling as a priority and whilst welcoming the increased levels
of recycling being achieved as a result of the scheme advised that
he would be willing to continue discussions with local residents in
relation to any ongoing concerns.
 
Eligible for Call-In:
No