Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Andy McGuinness.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 1 September 2025.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Environment and Economy Select Committee meeting held on 1 September were approved and signed by the Chair.

The Committee are invited to interview the Cabinet Portfolio holder for Environment and Planning Policy, Cllr Rob Broom regarding his plans for the service and receiving his response to the questions raised by the Chair in advance of the meeting.

The Committee will receive a written response from Dacorum District Council regarding questions raised by the Chair in advance of the meeting.

The questions raised by the Chair are attached in the agenda papers.

The Committee considered the item on Recycling in Flat Blocks, as part of the ongoing scrutiny review. The Chair welcomed Councillor Broom as Portfolio Holder for environment and Officers to the meeting.

The Chair noted that several questions had been shared with Councillor Broom in advance and would be discussed during the meeting.

In response to a question about priorities for improving recycling in Stevenage, Councillor Broom explained that the current focus was on food waste and recycling within flat blocks. It was noted that the aim was to reduce contamination and increase recycling rates through clearer communication and engagement with residents.

The Committee discussed the forthcoming government mandated introduction of food waste collections. Officers confirmed that while the Council needed to meet a minimum standard by March 2025, there was an ambition to exceed the minimum government standards. It was noted that approximately 25% of food in the UK was wasted, and that the introduction of separate food waste collections would significantly help to improve recycling rates.

Councillor Broom stated that he was reluctant to set a specific numerical goal, but expected to see an increase in recycling rates by next year. It was noted that the data would be reviewed in Summer and Autumn 2026 to assess progress.

Officers noted that the Council had a long-term target to achieve a 60% recycling rate by 2030. This would be supported by national measures such as the ‘polluter pays’ principle and efforts to reduce non-recyclable packaging.

Following a question to Councillor Broom about the barriers to improved recycling rates. In response, it was highlighted that resident engagement and participation were key challenges.

Members discussed the concept of introducing recycling champions within flat blocks. Councillor Broom and officers supported the concept, noting it had been trialled successfully in a pilot scheme, but had low participation. Members suggested introducing incentives, such as recognition through local awards for adult and junior champion categories, to encourage involvement.

Members sought clarification on the role of a recycling champion. Officers explained that, in the pilot scheme, a resident acted as a liaison between the Council and tenants, promoting recycling and achieving positive outcomes.

Members highlighted the need for recycling literature and leaflets to be available in translated formats and better education around safe battery disposal. Officers noted that work was underway to address the safe disposal of batteries. This was in response to national concerns about waste-related fires, with a focus on public awareness and operational safety.

Members also suggested engaging schools and incorporating recycling information into new tenancy inductions. Officers noted that engagement work had been undertaken in local schools through assemblies to encourage recycling among children, with the aim of influencing positive behaviour within households.

Members highlighted the need to consider community dynamics when selecting Champions to ensure positive engagement within flat blocks. Officers acknowledged this and noted that clear expectations and guidance would be important for any future recycling champion’s scheme.

A question was raised to the Portfolio Holder to ask if he  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To receive Member feedback from the site visit to the Cavendish Road Depot and the ride along in the refuse and recycling freighter on Friday 12 September 2025.

Members shared their feedback on visits to Cavendish Road and freighter operations.

It was noted that the depot was very clean, well organised and safe, with effective systems for odour control, fire detection and recycling processes.

Members highlighted the efficiency, commercial awareness and professionalism of staff.

Observations included challenges with bulky waste, bin store access at the new Forster Park Development and potential risks to staff.

Officers noted these concerns and explained that Planning officers were inspecting the site and liaising with the developer to establish short-term and permanent solutions.

Members discussed residual waste disposal including energy from recycling paper exported overseas, noting environmental and ethical considerations.

Overall, the visits were considered valuable for understanding operations and Members thanked officers for their time. Stevenage Direct Services officers invited any other Members who wished to visit the depot to contact them for an individual visit.

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.