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 waste infrastructure will not cope with the expected levels of waste growth anticipated as a result of the forecast population increase. Before considering any potential funding for added infrastructure, 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 through illegal disposal of trade and commercial waste.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects more than two Electoral Divisions;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 07/01/2019
Decision due: Not before 5th Feb 2019 by Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste
Reason: In order that the proposed decision can be publsihed for a minimum of 28 days, in accordance with statutory requirements
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste
Lead director: Simon Jones
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: David Beaver, Head of Waste Management and Business Services 03000 411620 Email: david.beaver@kent.gov.uk.
Consultees
This was considered and endorsed at the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on 17 January 2019.
Financial implications: Through the HWRC network, KCC accepted 38,000 tonnes of soil rubble and hardcore for disposal last year (17/18), which cost approximately £1.2m to haul and dispose. In addition, KCC also accepted nearly 2,000 tonnes of plasterboard which cost approximately £178,000 to haul and dispose. Based on current tonnages, charging customers to dispose of these non-household waste types, in-line with a number of other Local Authorities, could generate a gross income of £4m. After taking account of the operational costs for bulking, hauling and processing these materials which we already pay, along with additional resourcing costs (both staff and equipment) and infrastructure amends, this would leave a revenue contribution of £1m to the annual budget for the initial full year of operation. Continued investment in the HWRC and WTS network infrastructure is required to support waste growth, recycling advancements and legislative requirements.
Legal implications: There are statutory obligations required of a Waste Disposal Authority which must be met, and any policy changes must be compliant. External legal advice has been sought to examine all relevant legislation and guidance on these matters and the advice supported the Authorities proposal to charge for non-household waste disposal at the HWRCs.
Equalities implications: An Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) was completed prior to commencing the consultation, which shaped the engagement and participation mechanisms, to provide the opportunity for participation equally across Kent communities and being mindful of communication preferences and accessibility of information. The EqIA was reviewed after the consultation to enable KCC to respond to any new issues that arose during the consultation and to ensure no groups were disadvantaged. The assessment indicated that any impacts on users could be reasonably mitigated.