Decision details

Background:

The Kent Waste Disposal Strategy (2017-2035) was adopted in February 2017 and sets out the overarching ambition for KCC Waste Management. Analysis has shown that the current Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) infrastructure will not cope with the expected levels of waste growth anticipated as a result of the forecast population increase. Officers are developing projects and policy changes designed to reduce demand on site, create revenue streams, and create clearer intelligence that will enable stronger and more successful enforcement actions against individuals defrauding the Authority, for example, through illegal disposal of trade and commercial waste.

A decision is sought on the introduction of an Enforcement Policy which will support KCC and their contracted HWRC Providers in the transparent and effective delivery of HWRC waste enforcement practices. Issues addressed by the policy include: trade waste abuse, theft of materials, fly-tipping at the HWRC entrance, abuse of staff and other customers, and non-adherence to HWRC policy.

Options:

The Enforcement Policy is largely an aggregation of existing policies and procedures. There are no substantive changes to policies already agreed by Members. However, the policy will allow officers to tackle issues encountered at site in a more transparent way, with a published policy to strengthen actions taken. With regards to the actual enforcement actions that can be utilised, the Policy clearly states these, again for transparency.

As Cabinet Member for Environment, I agree to introduce an Enforcement Policy to identify clearly, procedures of environment enforcement duties and powers relevant to Kent County Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) service.