Purpose

To present options in relation to simpler
recycling for waste collection

Decision

RESOLVED that:
 

i.      
Cabinet approves a separate kerbside glass collection service, to
be introduced boroughwide from Autumn 2026 as outlined in section 6
and that the additional revenue costs as detailed in paragraph 7.2
are added to the Commitment Budget.
 

ii.    
Cabinet approves that the glass recycling banks are reduced by at
least half across the borough as explained in 6.12.
 
RECOMMENDED that Council supports an in
year Supplementary Capital
Approval of £0.980m for the vehicles
needed to deliver the service and £0.800m for
the containers, this would enable orders to be
placed for these as soon as possible to
ensure production slots are secured.

Reasons for the decision

To comply with the Simpler Recycling
legislation all local authorities are expected to
collect a core list of materials for recycling
or composting.

Alternative options considered

i.      
Co-mingled collection would mean that the glass is included in blue
bins along with the other dry recyclables. This system is simple
for residents and does not require extra containers. Collection
round and route changes would be minimal, and communications would
be straightforward.
 

ii.    
Comingled collection would require two additional collection
vehicles: a 26-tonne vehicle and an 18-tonne vehicle, as well as
one extra delivery box van. Six extra crew members are needed,
including two LGV (light goods vehicle) drivers, three loaders, and
one non-LGV driver. The lead time for these vehicles is up to 14
months. The BFC waste team would also require one extra staff
member (0.5 FTE). To minimise impact of extra vehicles on climate
change hydro treated vegetable oil (HVO) could be used to fuel the
vehicles to minimise CO2e impacts, however this will cost more than
using diesel. Detailed cost information is in the restricted
appendix 1.
 

iii.   
In order to collect glass in the blue bins alongside the other
recyclables significant work is required at the Materials Recycling
Facility (MRF) in Reading which is where the kerbside collection
ends up. The work required is needed to upgrade the facility so it
can separate glass from paper, card, plastics, tins and cans. This
facility is shared with re3 partners, Reading and Wokingham
Councils. The MRF is 16 years old and making additions to it so it
can handle glass would not extend the life of the rest of the
facility. The costs of these amendments make co-mingled collection
the most expensive option. Detailed cost information is in the
restricted appendix 1.