Purpose

This project is for the purchase of a new waste compactor to replace an existing (now obsolete) compactor at Cottesmore HWRC. Waste compactors are used to compress waste, ensuring that the containers are as full as possible before haulage to the disposal point. This ensures fewer trips are required, increasing efficiency, reducing fuel costs and reducing carbon emissions. Typically, the waste stream can be compressed and volume reduced by 70%, reducing time taken to swap out full containers. This means that the sites can operate more efficiently with reduced down time so residents can effectively dispose of their waste.
One of the existing compactors is now beyond economic repair and this is having a significant effect of site operations, both for the council and for members of the public using the site. In order to maintain the service at an acceptable level, the compactors need to be reliable to free up capacity for the public to use. Replacement is therefore essential.

This project supports the Councils Corporate Strategy objectives of reducing the climate impact of Rutland’s waste and providing effective public services.

Decision

To support the project with the sum of £34,421.70 from S106 contributions.

Following the decision £34,421.70 will remain allocated to this project for an 18-month period. The transfer of funds will be subject to the receipt of a project plan and confirmed start date for the works.

Alternative options considered

The alternative option would be to not support funding for this project. There is funding available from unspent S106 agreements and no other project coming forward to take advantage of this at present. There is a risk that unspent S106 monies would need to be re-paid to developers in due course.