Portsmouth City Borough Council Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change Meeting

Councillors Dave Ashmore, George Fielding and Robert New sent their apologies.  Councillor Suzy Horton stood in for Councillor Ashmore.

There were no declarations of members' interests.

David Emmett, Head of Waste Disposal introduced the report and in response to questions, he and Collette Hill Assistant Director clarified the following points:

There was a 60% stable participation rate in the food waste collection trial areas. 

A composition analysis carried out in 2018 showed that food waste accounted for 40% of waste in households' black bags.  This was reduced to 20% in the trial areas.  This was a very impressive outcome compared to other local authorities.

Some residents who lived in then trial areas but did not participate explained that they composted their food waste, they had meals delivered and did not eat at home.

All the food waste collected was recycled.  In the trial area, general waste decreased and the recycling rate increased by 6-8%.

Some other waste products are more difficult to recycle and would have no significant impact on recycling rates.

The Environmental Bill will bring many changes and will include glass and plastic recycling.

Some anecdotal evidence indicated that people were reducing the quantity of some of the grocery products they were buying to reduce waste.

The council is currently looking into the logistics of having an anaerobic digester.  Specialist support has been obtained in order to determine the size of the plant and to understand the income streams and the long term impact.  Officers are talking to other local authorities about how this could be used.

Councillor Horton noted that the food waste trials were very popular with residents and was pleased with the council's bold move into this area.

DECISION: Councillor Horton noted the report.