Got any feedback on the new rubbish collection services?

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Permalink Reply by ant on September 19, 2012 at 13:22

Does HoL have any sort of print facility or way to extract all the discussions about the bin problems so we could send them all to scrutiny@haringey.gov.uk so they can whats been said and see how many of us are unhappy about the new system?

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on September 19, 2012 at 13:33

Hard labour, I'm afraid. Most of the posts are tagged. So the bulk should be easy to find.

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Permalink Reply by ant on September 19, 2012 at 13:52

I see, i guess they are all at this link, maybe could just email them that url and ask them to go read it all themselves. From a quick count of the totals thats 532 posts, i expect most of them not happy with the new system, which have had a total of 12373 page views, seems like quite a lot so at least demonstrates there is interest in the topic.

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on September 19, 2012 at 18:18

Sounds good. I think Alan Stanton has been sending someone the links. 

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Permalink Reply by ant on September 19, 2012 at 19:44

I found the report pack for the The Environment and Housing Scrutiny Panel meeting which this is about, it doesn't really sound like many things that people have been complaining about here at HoL, like too many ugly smelly bins, is within the scope of what they're looking at. Eg page 39:

4.2 Within these aims, scrutiny involvement will aim to address the following questions:
1) What was learnt from phase 1 and 2 of the new waste and recycling service and
how can this improve plans for phase 3 roll-out and beyond?
2) How has the Council’s new waste and recycling service contributed to policy and
performance objectives for reducing waste, increasing recycling and and carbon
reduction?
3) Does the new waste and recycling service offer value for money for the Council
and local residents?
4) How can the Council encourage increased compliance and behaviour change
among local residents to help reduce waste and recycling?
5) How well does the Council work together with partners and other agencies (e.g.
Registered Housing Providers, GLA, NLWA) to encourage local residents to
reduce waste and increase recycling?
6) What can be learnt from other authorities, service experts or other informed
agencies which can guide inform waste and recycling policy and practice in
Haringey?

There is a bit about overflowing bins on page 55 but from the graph i think they're saying its not a problem now after having some time to settle down after the new system was introduced.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Bumstead on September 23, 2012 at 23:24

This is, I'm afraid, fairly typical of the attitude of Haringey Council.  They decide to hold a 'public' scrutiny meeting about the waste and recycling service to find out any lessens that can be learnt from the roll-out of Phases One and Two of the new contract before the final implementation.  A public meeting on the 1st October and submissions by 15th?  Phase Three starts on the 1st October!  There is ample evidence provided by Sustainable Haringey, residents' associations and individuals that the service is not fit for purpose as it is being run at present.  I do not suggest that we should revert to the status quo prior to April but modifications need to be made and implemented before any further roll-out takes place.

There is an urgent need for education - far too many people are not fully aware of what can be recycled and what constitutes 'residual' waste.  Many residents do not have English as a first, or even second, language and they do not understand the information provided.  There is the problem of our transient population - landlords need to be involved in getting the message across so that new residents are aware of what to do.  I, along with others, have suggested that the use of properly illustrated leaflets and posters could help.

Veolia themselves need to work harder to ensure that their operatives are doing their job properly.  They are supposed to have supervisors who ensure that the correct waste is collected on the correct day - this does not always happen as has been observed on one street in West Green Ward, and probably on others as well.  Veolia's Call Centre staff need to be able to respond correctly to customers and for these responses to be backed up with action.  Let us have no more statements like "The Food Waste was contaminated so not collected" from someone who has not seen the 'offending' item.

We all want to see more Recycling and an effective and efficient Waste Collection service.  If we have problems we want to be able to complain and have our complaints dealt with speedily.  A full and proper audit of Phases One and Two needs to be carried out before any further extension.  Where problems are identified remedial action needs to be taken.  If there is 'side waste', ie bin bags at the side of the normal waste bin, a visit need to be made to try to identify the problem.  People who need help and/or advice should receive it.

I suggest that Phase Three be deferred until Phases One and Two are working properly.  This will form my submission to the Scrutiny Panel.  

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