Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Andy McGuinness and Dermot Kehoe

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 7 October 2025.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Environment and Economy Select Committee meeting held on 7 October were approved and signed by the Chair.

To consider and comment on the draft report and recommendations of the review into recycling in flat blocks.

The Committee reviewed the draft report and recommendations regarding recycling in flat blocks. The officer presented the recommendations, followed by a discussion with members who suggested amendments and raised questions as outlined below.

Members stated that officers would need to be careful about selecting individuals as "Recycling Champions." The Head of Service, Environmental Operations, stated that regarding Recycling Champions there would likely be around 10 across the town, and it would be necessary to offer some form of incentivisation with possible awards as a means of recruiting. Officers would closely monitor the conduct of the Recycling Champions. The officer agreed to add a clarifying statement to the report.

Members asked if the coloured wraps to be used on bins would also indicate the types of items that can be placed in each bin. The officer showed members the proposed design for the stickers that will be placed on bin fronts and lids to provide this information.

The officer explored the option of coloured wraps for the lids of bins but clarified that such wraps are not currently available. Instead, stickers will be used on the lids for the flat blocks. Priority will be given to flat blocks that do not already have any labelling information.

Members raised a question about how contaminated bins were identified during collection. The officer confirmed that collection teams open the lids to conduct a visual inspection. However, if contaminated items were hidden at the bottom of the bins, they may not be visible during inspection.

Members highlighted the need for CCTV at Bring Bank Sites to deter fly-tipping. The officer clarified that items placed next to full bins were considered as fly-tipping. Members also inquired about any concessions for low-income households regarding bulky waste collection. The officer confirmed a 25% reduction on bulky waste collection rates for low-income households.

Members expressed concerns about a previous report proposing a reduction in the number of Bring Bank Sites in Stevenage. Officers reassured the Committee that this will be reviewed after the new flat block recycling measures have been in place for 12-18 months. The data collected during this period will guide the review process. The Committee will be consulted at each stage of the review.

Members sought clarification on whether recycling information would be available in alternative languages. The officer confirmed that accessibility has been a key consideration. Information provided to residents will be largely pictorial to improve accessibility. Officers also confirmed that the new recycling information would be available in alternative formats upon request and Officers would investigate the provision of a braille version

Members suggested that the wording of the recommendations be amended to explicitly address accessibility issues. The officer agreed to update the report to include this consideration.

Members requested that signage be placed at recycling points to inform residents of the consequences and financial implications of fly-tipping. Additionally, they recommended that the most used bins be placed in prominent locations to discourage contamination. The officer explained that having only one type of bin  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To consider any Part 1 business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

There was no Urgent Part I Business

To consider the following motions –

1.  That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraphs1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.

2.  That Members consider the reasons for the following reports being in Part II and determine whether or not maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

Not required.

To consider any Part II business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

There was no Urgent Part II Business