The Council introduced the food waste collection in December 2011 to further enhance the recycling service offered to our residents.  The service is funded by ECC as part of the 28 year Inter Authority Agreement that was agreed in 2009, with the 2014/15 grant being £371,414.

The current service was agreed in June 2011 at the Environment, Health and Housing Board, with a recommendation to collect kitchen waste with residual waste without the ongoing supply of liners.

A further report was presented at the Environment Panel on 14^th November 2012, after additional funding was agreed with ECC to pilot a scheme for free food waste bags.  The panel approved a one year pilot scheme of distributing two free rolls of liners to all households from April 2013, with an additional two rolls to be redeemed from local collection points via a token system if they wish to participate.

It was evident that the delivery of free bags to all households was not an efficient use of funds, as it was clear from the monitoring by crews, and the tonnage being collected that participation across the Borough was reducing, despite the free delivery of the bags.  This was confirmed through a recent user survey, which identified that only 35% of residents used the service.   

In February 2014 Members were informed, via their newsletter, that a more efficient delivery system would be piloted, and that residents who wish to have free bags delivered would need to register.  This attracted over 1,400 households, and two free rolls were delivered in June 2014.

The Council currently provide free food waste bags from the Town Hall, Brentwood Library, Shenfield Library, Ingatestone Library, Ingatestone Parish Council and West Horndon Horticultural Society.  Residents also have the option to purchase bags for £1 from a number of local retailers.

Mr Ormsby informed the committee of an amendment to 1.4 of the report which states at 35% of residents used the Food Waste Service, this figure is now 43%.

Concerns were viewed by Members over the size and quality of the bags provided. This will be investigated in a procurement exercise.

Cllr Murphy requested an investigation to take place on commercial food waste.  Mr Ormsby will investigate, however, may not be an option as this stage.

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

A vote was taken by a show of hands and was RESOLVED to:

2.1      That Members approve the option of providing free food waste bags, through retailers that are prepared to distribute them free of            charge, and at no cost to the Council.

2.2      That additional outlets are identified to distribute free food waste           bags, such as Parish Halls and community groups, and        publicised through media outlets.