(a)

software was being used to identify more efficient waste collection routes; this was provisionally completed as routes were being reviewed and tested;

(b)

a Christmas card would be sent to all residents in Plymouth detailing the waste collection reorganisation changes and new policies. Householders would also be provided with a sticker for their bin which would detail the day of waste/recycling collection as well as leaving a space for residents to include

their house number; design work was on track for the Christmas communication to residents;

(c)

Officers had consulted with several organisations, including the Senior Citizens Forum, to tackle any potential issues with the new refuse collection reorganisation;

(d)

community events were scheduled throughout the city centre throughout November to consult with the local community; Officers were also  contacting major employers, attending Freshers Fair to advise students, posting relevant information on the Council’s website and sending out letters to advise people  of the waste collection reorganisation;

(e)

Councillors would be provided with information on the waste collection reorganisation for their ward newsletters to keep residents updated on progress and relevant changes.

(f)

waste collection bags were available for free collection from Prince Rock Depot and local libraries;

(g)

residents would not be charged for the delivery of a replacement bin if the request had been made prior to 1 October 2014;

(h)

additional resources had been allocated to reduce the wait time for the delivery of replacement bins;

(i)

the Council had a 99% refuse collection rate; Officers acknowledged that there were isolated incidents in which some refuse collectors had either not collected rubbish or had left discarded rubbish on the road/pavement however this was being addressed through staff education;

(j)

it was the responsibility of the Council to clear away discarded rubbish left by split refuse bags or refuse collectors;

(k)

it was estimated that 10 to 20 local residents visited the Princerock Depot on a daily basis to collect replacement refuse receptacles; there was considered to be a backlog in this service as it went through ‘peaks and troughs’ and this was a particularly busy time;

(l)

when requesting a replacement bin a reference number would be provided; this number was required to be stated when collecting the issued bin;

(m)

those who were signed up to the assisted bin collection would not be charged for a replacement bin;

(o)

residents requesting an extra green bin for recycling would not be charged for the delivery of the receptacle;

(p)

Officers would be attending ‘Have your Say’ meetings to advise local residents of changes and to respond to any concerns;

(q)

refuse collectors and street cleaners worked within the same department however were unable to work in parallel across the city due to scheduling issues.