The Joint Waste Collection Services Committee discussed several key issues, including the performance of waste and recycling collections, the progress of the Amey Improvement Plan, and the financial position of Joint Waste Solutions (JWS). The committee also reviewed the proposed work programme for the 2024/25 municipal year.

Quarterly Performance Report

The committee reviewed the Quarterly Performance Report, which summarised waste and recycling collections up to the end of the third quarter of the 2023/24 financial year. The report highlighted a 1.6% increase in all material collections across Surrey, with notable increases in garden waste collections. However, dry mixed recycling (DMR) and food waste collections saw declines. The committee questioned whether recycling levels had plateaued, and it was clarified that this trend was observed nationally, not just in Surrey. The committee also discussed the need to reduce the number of properties without food waste recycling before March 2026.

Amey Improvement Plan Update

Amey presented an update on their Improvement Plan for 2024/25. The presentation covered service disruptions in Elmbridge, high staff turnover in Mole Valley, and stable services in Surrey Heath and Woking. The committee raised concerns about street cleaning and the garden waste subscription renewal process. Amey highlighted ongoing efforts to improve data collection and response times using the WhiteSpace system.

Quarterly Budget Report

The committee reviewed the Quarterly Budget Report, which projected a year-end expenditure of £2,634,998 against a budget of £2,642,190, resulting in a projected underspend of £7,192. The report noted a £26,000 overspend in the salaries budget due to a fixed pension charge. The committee confirmed that individual authorities would decide on the use of underspends.

Joint Waste Solutions Programme Progress Report

The committee received an update on the Joint Waste Solutions Programme for 2023-24. Key achievements included the installation of dual litter/recycling bins in Elmbridge, successful food waste recycling rollouts in Mole Valley, and the launch of the Own Your Impact campaign. The committee discussed the use of biofuel in more vehicles and requested carbon footprint calculations from Amey.

Work Programme Proposal - 2024-25

The committee approved the proposed work programme for the 2024/25 municipal year, which includes eight objectives aimed at improving service efficiency, increasing recycling, and supporting carbon reduction plans. The committee discussed the possibility of reinstating bring banks in certain areas and ongoing contamination reduction trials.