From January 2015, new regulations will require the separate collection of paper, plastic, metals and glass for recycling, unless it is not necessary to provide high quality recyclates; or it is not technically, environmentally or economically practicable (TEEP). The aim of this is to increase the quality of recycled material by reducing contamination, and improve the environment.

In July 2014, Officers appointed WYG, an external organisation, to carry out the TEEP assessment to ensure that there was an independent assessment of the service. The assessment cost £3,500 which was a reduced cost due to procurement via the Essex Waste Partnership.

The assessment has identified that the collection service provided by the Council is compliant to continue in it’s current form, as it is not economically viable to introduce separate collections for all commodities, which is estimated would cost a further £600,000.

A Motion was MOVED by Cllr Lloyd and SECONDED by Cllr Sapwell to received the recommendation set out in the report.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY to:

2.1       Agree that the Council continues to collect co-mingled waste, and        that approval is given to the TEEP assessment as a formal record.