Bulky Waste Collection Options

Transcription

1 Bulky Waste Collection Options This section outlines a number of different scenarios for improving reuse and recycling of bulky waste, either via household collections or at Household Waste & Recycling Centres (HWRCs). In many cases, the availability of scenarios will depend on working either directly or indirectly with existing reuse specialists such as local furniture reuse organisations (FROs). Some of the scenarios put forward in this section may require investment in the development of new infrastructure, such as refurbishment workshops and reuse sales sheds at HWRCs. When planning any waste management service, there is an opportunity to consider: the fit with the wider strategic objectives of the local authority, including any wider environmental, social and economic objectives (See Rationale section on the main webpage); to the opportunity increase resource efficiency, by moving up the waste management hierarchy (See Rationale section on the main webpage); providing an easy-to-use and reliable service for residents; achieving value for money the service needs to be efficient and effective; complying with legislation (See Legislation section on main webpage); the availability of alternative services in the commercial or voluntary sector; markets for the items, including working with other teams within the local authority such as social services and housing; and developing and using excellent communications (See Communications section on the main webpage). Key Considerations The level and type of service available to householders can influence their willingness to use a reuse service and a good service can change attitudes about disposal and encourage reuse. Defra commissioned research suggested that householders dislike 1 ; having to wait a long time for a collection, often people want rid of things as soon as they have a replacement item (this also can impact on the quality of the item if it is left outside prior to collection); being charged for the service free collections seem to be an incentive to use the service; having to contact different organisations to collect different items; receiving mixed messages about what is and is not acceptable for reuse by different organisations; and receiving knockbacks when items they offer for donation are not accepted. When selecting the most appropriate service options there are a number of points to consider: planning a service to maximise reuse over recycling and disposal; 1 Public Understanding of Product Lifetimes and Durability (2): Reuse of Bulky Items (2011) 1

2 can other potential benefits, such as social and economic, be maximised? Working with third sector organisations often has benefits to the local community; can other local authority departments be involved in the design of the service and selection of partners? Are there joint funding opportunities that could help to deliver more socially beneficial options? should the collection service be charged or delivered free of charge? level of service expected by householders; what format communications are going to take and what messages require communicating. If the service is complicated it will be more challenging to explain to customers. For more information see the section on Communications; the risk of customer dissatisfaction e.g. if items are not collected; and the service needs to complement other options for encouraging reuse of bulky items - such as the HWRC, or online options such as Freecycle or ebay. Collection scenarios There are a number of collection scenarios, which can, over time, be considered as steps to building the capacity to improve reuse and recycling rates. In some cases reuse specialists do not need to collect the items; another contractor can do this and pass the items on to reuse specialists. Five core scenarios are outlined below and are later used in the Costs section. They comprise: 1. All bulky items collected by reuse and recycling specialist. This option provides the householder with one point of contact and all items are collected at one time 2. Reusable items collected by reuse specialist. From the householder perspective the service needs to be convenient, the information provided at the call centre needs to be clear, so items are not rejected at collection and information on who benefits is important. 3. Items collected separately by different specialists, e.g. WEEE for recycling; furniture and other non-weee items for reuse; and non-reusable items or recyclable waste. From a householder perspective, in the case of WEEE, Defra research has shown that confidence in the collector s ability to handle WEEE in the proper way is important. 4. Reusable items collected via main bulky waste service and set aside for reuse specialist. This is convenient from the householder s perspective but may result in the householder assuming there is no value in the item and hence no need to preserve the quality, it is therefore important to communicate that the service reuses items. Those providing the bulky waste service would need training and appropriate vehicles to ensure that reusable items are not damaged on collection. 5. Informal referral to FRO or other reuse specialist. This can appear as inconvenient if the householder has to make another phone call to arrange a collection and in some cases having made the effort to call the item is then considered unacceptable for reuse. Each scenario has a different performance outcome based on estimated diversion towards reuse and recycling. This estimated diversion is based on being able to collect the quantity and quality of items 2

3 at all stages in the collection service. They are listed below in Figure 1 in order of best potential for reuse, from left to right. Figure 1 Collection scenarios Not all scenarios will be immediately available to a local authority, and it may require a series of steps to get from current practice to the ideal reuse scenario. The key to maximising reuse is to keep potentially reusable items in the best possible condition from the householder s initial call through to collection and by providing a service that householders want to use. It requires clear instructions and communications from the call centre, good service provision and careful handling of items thereafter. The following tables provide a view of what, in theory, could potentially be recovered for reuse through different collection scenarios. It is based on survey observations undertaken by Resource Futures in York and North Yorkshire. Carrying out an assessment of the local bulky waste collection stream should provide more robust data. The potential diversion of items can be categorised as follows: A. Reusable in current condition; B. Reusable after minor repair; C. Reusable after major repair; or 3

4 D. Not repairable but recyclable. Table 1 below illustrates the potential for reuse and recycling for each of six bulky waste collection scenarios. Each scenario is built on a set of assumptions. Scenario 1 - fully geared to reuse the optimum amount of the whole bulky waste stream, with all items reusable in current condition or with minor repairs, and all the remaining recyclable items diverted for recycling. Scenario 2 - potentially reusable items identified by the call centre are allocated to a separate reuse collection. In this case only items identified as reusable in current condition. Scenario 3 - the bulky waste is divided between three streams, with all WEEE being collected separately for recycling, and the remaining items identified as reusable in current condition being collected by reuse specialists, and the rest being collected for recycling/disposal. Scenario 4 - potentially reusable items are taken from the main bulky waste collection. It assumes that the collection crews identify potentially reusable items from the main bulky waste collection and set them aside for reuse specialists. In this case it is assumed that items are not collected from within properties, and that there would be some loss in potential reusability due to items exposed to the elements, and possible cross contamination with waste items. (The model is based on 50 of potential capture through this system). Scenario 5 - call centre provides information on reuse alternatives to bulky waste collection, but council has no formal links beyond initial reference. It is likely that reuse potential would be lost through this scenario because it is a less convenient service. (The model is based on 40 of potential capture through this system). Table 1 Potential reuse and recycling from individual bulky waste collection streams Hard furniture Soft furniture Other furnishings General Large WEEE Other WEEE Collection scenario 1 Reuse Whole stream Recycle Dispose Collection scenario 2 Reuse Reuse separate Recycle Dispose Collection scenario 3 Reuse Separate streams Recycle Dispose Collection scenario 4 Reuse Reuse set aside Re-cycle Dispose Collection scenario 5 Reuse Referrals Recycle

5 Dispose Table 2 illustrates the potential contribution of bulky waste to reuse and recycling rates. It models the potential for reuse and recycling under each of the five scenarios, for each of the individual categories of items, and as a whole. Some items are potentially both reusable and recyclable; therefore sometimes a high performing reuse scenario will recycle less than other scenarios. Table 2 Potential impact of bulky waste scenarios on reuse and recycling rates Hard furniture Soft/other furniture General Large WEEE Other WEEE Total Collection scenario 1 Reuse Whole stream Recycle Dispose Collection scenario 2 Reuse Reuse separate Recycle Dispose Collection scenario 3 Reuse Separate stream Recycle Dispose Collection scenario 4 Reuse Reuse set aside Recycle Dispose Collection scenario 5 Reuse Referrals Recycle Dispose The potential for reuse is in the order of 50 of the collected bulky waste stream, but this is dependent on the right infrastructure and systems being in place. This estimate includes items requiring checks, preparation and repair before being presented for sale. Outputs in all scenarios depend upon the success of the system, local circumstances, the quality of items discarded and the market need. Current good practice in the UK demonstrates reuse levels of around 40, achieved by Bulky Matters in Lancaster. The gap can largely be attributed to the current lower reuse rates for large electrical items, as against the potential. 5

6 Scenario 1 All bulky waste collected by reuse specialist either under a direct contract or as a subcontractor to a waste management company Figure 3 Scenario 1 explained This scenario has the best potential for maximising reuse. It places the whole bulky waste service with a reuse specialist who would be responsible for the process from beginning to end and offers a simple and convenient service to the customer. 6

7 If new, the service may need investment in capacity to deploy the appropriate expertise and resources. Systems will need to be in place to monitor, measure and report on performance. Figure 4 shows the potential for reuse and recycling from this collection scenario. Figure 4 Scenario 1, whole stream system Collection scenario 1 - All bulky waste Reuse Recycle Dispose 12 7

8 Scenario 2 Reuse stream only collected by reuse specialist Figure 5 Scenario 2 explained This method helps avoid cross-contamination between clean and dirty streams, and has potential for high levels of reuse. It requires trained and knowledgeable staff at the call centre to ensure that items are allocated to the correct service. It can lead to frustration on the customer s part if items are not considered suitable for reuse either during the initial telephone conversation or subsequently at the point of collection. It may also involve more than one vehicle collecting from the same property if there is a mixture of items for reuse and disposal. If items are being collected for reuse vehicles that protect them from damage are required, whereas items for disposal can be collected using compaction vehicles. Figure 6 shows the potential for reuse and recycling from this collection scenario. 8

9 Figure 6 Potential reuse and recycling for a separate reuse system Collection scenario 2 - Separate reuse Reuse Recycle Dispose 9

10 Scenario 3 Bulky waste streams collected separately Figure 7 Scenario 3 explained This method will maximise reuse potential of the selected waste stream(s), but will not maximise reuse across the whole waste stream. It is more complex to arrange and less convenient for the customer as it may involve multiple collections to deal with the different items. It may also have a detrimental effect on the local environment, with items being left out for different periods of time and not being collected all in one go. Ideally, there would be collaboration between the different collectors so that collections are made more convenient for the householder with a single visit. The collectors 10

11 would then drop off items as appropriate either at the waste transfer station or reuse centre. Figure 8 shows the potential for reuse and recycling from this collection scenario. Figure 8: Potential reuse and recycling Scenario 3 Collection scenario 3 - Separate streams Reuse Recycle Dispose 11

12 Scenario 4 Bulky waste team set aside reusable items for reuse specialists Figure 9: Scenario 4 explained This requires close cooperation between the contractor and the reuse specialist. It relies on changing working practices so that items are handled with care to avoid damage and dirt, which inevitably slows down the loading process and reduces collection capacity. There is the potential for a good reuse rate, but this is often not achievable in practice without changing the existing collection protocols and adopting the systems described above. There could 12

13 also be additional cost implications. Figure 10 shows the potential for reuse and recycling from this collection scenario. Figure 10: Potential reuse from set aside for reuse specialist Collection scenario 4 - Set aside for re-use specialist Reuse Recycle Dispose 13

14 Scenario 5 Customers with items suitable for reuse referred to FRO Figure 11: Scenario 5 explained This approach involves minimal change to the core bulky waste collection service, but does require good information at point of call to advise customers of better alternatives for certain items. It can lead to misunderstandings and frustration for the householder if an item is not taken away because it 14

15 is considered unsuitable for reuse at the point of collection. Figure 12 shows the potential for reuse and recycling from this collection scenario. Figure 12: Potential reuse items referred for collection by reuse specialist Collection scenario 5 - Referrals Reuse Recycle Dispose HWRC scenarios Whichever method is used at HWRCs, the following points have to be considered and applied to achieve a successful reuse scheme: clear information at the site; sufficient and well informed site staff; suitable facility for donation point (clean and dry); ease of use; careful handling of items; management and monitoring; and identification of markets for items for re-sale. Options for reuse on site vary according to site location and layout, as well as the capacity of local organisations to participate. Different systems are listed below in order of best potential for reuse and recycling. They are not definitive scenarios, and there are many possible variations within the illustrated scenarios. The key scenarios explored are as follows: Scenario 1 Scenario 2 o o Scenario 3 o o Items segregated for resale on site, with the addition of a workshop to refurbish and repair bulky items. a. Items segregated and sold on site by site operator. b. Items segregated by site staff for sale by reuse specialist on site. a. Segregated by third party for sale off site. b. Segregated by site staff and collected by third party reuse specialist for sale off site. 15

16 Figure 13: HWRC Reuse system scenarios HWRC options On site shop and workshops On site shop Off site sales Segregated for refurbishment and sale on site Segregated for sale by contractor on site Segregated by site staff for FRO sales on site Segregated for sale by third party off site Segregated by site staff and collected by FRO Benefits Benefits Benefits Benefits Benefits High profile Maximises reuse potential Reduced handling Income from sales contributes to on site costs High profile Incentive to reduce waste to disposal Reduced handling Separates activity from main traffic flow Income from sales contributes to on site costs High profile Promotes connection between reuse and social benefit Income from sales contributes to on site costs Reduces waste to disposal Incentivises reuse Lower infrastructure costs Requires less space Does not interrupt traffic flow Lower infrastructure costs Issues Issues Issues Issues Issues Requires adequate space and infrastructure Need to manage welfare and safety of trainees Needs to be separated from main traffic flow Limited customer profile Requires adequate space and infrastructure Congestion at peak times Difficult to control and monitor Congestion at peak times Limited customer profile Need to manage welfare and safety of third parties and control vehicular access Dependant on close cooperation between sites staff and FRO Limited customer profile Tables 3 to 5 below provide examples of the potential for reuse and recycling of bulky items delivered to HWRCs, demonstrating the categorisation of individual streams within the bulky waste fraction. It is based on samples surveyed at HWRCs within the same authorities as depicted in the collections scenarios. As for bulky waste collections, it would be worthwhile carrying out a sample assessment locally to determine the type and quality of items delivered to the HWRC. A. Reusable in current condition. B. Reusable after minor repair. C. Reusable after major repair. D. Not repairable but recyclable. The following assumptions for reuse have been applied to each of the scenarios: Scenario 1, with a repair workshop on site, all items considered to be reusable or repairable are segregated for reuse, while recycling what is viable from the remainder. Scenario 2a, with shop on site but no workshop, captures all items re-usable in current condition. 16

17 Scenario 2b, with shop on site, includes all items reusable in current condition plus 50 of items requiring minor repairs. Scenarios 3a and 3b, with items segregated for sale off site, include all items reusable in current condition. Table 3 below illustrates the maximum potential reuse for individual waste streams under each scenario, with the remainder either being recycled or disposed. Table 3 Potential reuse and recycling from individual bulky waste streams at HWRCs Hard furniture Soft/ other furniture General Large WEEE Other WEEE Total Scenario 1 Refurbishment and sale on site Scenario 2 Shop on site Scenario 3 Segregated by site staff collected by FRO Reuse Recycle Dispose Reuse Recycle Dispose Reuse Recycle Dispose Table 4 below shows the potential impact on the diversion rate of maximising reuse performance for each of the individual streams. It shows the key streams to target for optimum reuse performance. Table 4 Potential impact on reuse and recycling rates for bulky waste delivered to HWRC Hard furniture Soft/ other furniture General Large WEEE Other WEEE Total Scenario 1 Refurbishment and sale on site Scenario 2 Shop on site Scenario 3 Segregated for sale off site Reuse Recycle Dispose Reuse Recycle Dispose Reuse Recycle Dispose

18 Though the above rates are theoretically possible, at the current time these rates are lower because of the current costs of refurbishment, quality of items and low market demand for some items. Many bulky waste items delivered to the HWRC are however both reusable and recyclable. A wooden table could either be passed on to be used again as a table, or diverted to the wood recycling skip. Different streams have different recycling potential. the following assumptions for recycling the remainder after reuse potential has been considered: Hard furniture 90. Soft furniture 27. General 75. Large WEEE 82. Small WEEE 42. Overall average 71. Table 5 presents a scenario that prioritises 25 of the bulky waste stream for reuse, in this case totalling 350 tonnes (this is an estimated upper level based on maximising all items for repair). The remaining 75 (1,050 tonnes) is then diverted to recycling where possible, and disposal if not. Take Scenario 1 as an example: Of the 350 tonnes bulky waste prioritised, 84 or 296 tonnes is reusable either in its current state or after repair. The remaining 54 tonnes is sent on for recycling or disposal. That 54 tonnes is added to the 1,050 tonnes destined for recycling or disposal making 1,104 tonnes. If 71 of that material is recyclable then there is the potential to divert a further 784 tonnes, leaving 320 tonnes for disposal. Table 5 Profile based on 25 viability of potential reuse stream Profile based on 25 Scenario 1 Refurbishment and sale on site Scenario 2 Shop on site Target 350 tonnes (25) Scenario 3 Off site sales Reuse Recycle Dispose ,400 1,400 1,400 Proportion of bulky waste Reuse Recycle Dispose

19 Proportion of HWRC tonnage Reuse Recycle Dispose Reuse/recycling rate Scenario 1 Onsite workshop and resale This option offers the potential to maximise reuse. The key consideration is space and site layout. The presence of the reuse facility makes a clear statement of intent, it is high profile and will help to maximise reuse potential. The facility does not have to be overly sophisticated but should be dry, light and secure. Typically it would comprise a reception area where delivered goods can be assessed for suitability prior to unloading, secure storage in which to set goods down, and display areas for saleable goods. The display areas typically would include an indoor sales room and outdoor bays as appropriate. Adequate parking is required so as not to impair traffic flow on site and to provide safe pedestrian access. The building(s) can reflect the ethos of the project through its functionality, design and accessibility, and can incorporate energy efficiency and water efficiency features. A reuse sale room provides a distinctive and positive feature to the HWRC site, and lends itself to extended activities such as repair workshops, an education and information centre, as well as sales of recycled and compost products made from materials collected on site. Further green design concepts may be explored to showcase environmental efficiency. By example, Banbridge Council (see webpage for Case Studies section) incorporated a reuse facility during the re-development of its HWRC site. The building is 3,000 square feet and includes a shop, office and repair and refurbishment area. When refitting the building to make it fit for purpose, a shop front was created to help customers feel like they were entering a shop. Roller shutter doors elsewhere in the building allow access to the refurbishment area. Householders bring items for reuse to the HWRC and are directed to a donation point where staff make a quick assessment of the items as to their suitability, and, if items are suitable, unload and take them to the workshop. If items are not suitable then the householder is directed to the appropriate recycling or disposal point. This option would require: Shop with public access, preferably open at weekends and other peak times Separately fitted and equipped workshops with restricted access to public Separated parking for those delivering items and shoppers Clear signage Staff to run facilities Site staff training, and 19

20 Audit management systems. Figure 14: Potential impact of onsite resale and workshop operated by reuse specialist on reuse and recycling rates Scenario 2 Segregated and sold on site This option has high reuse potential. As with the first option, the space available to locate a facility is critical. It has great potential to promote reuse and reflect the project ethos through design. On an appropriate HWRC site with sufficient space and a throughput of over 5,000 tonnes per annum such as Kings Lynn (featured in the case study section on the main webpage), sales from an onsite shop can fund the running costs and additional staff required to run the shop. Another example of an onsite retail shed is at Warwickshire s Burton Farm HWRC where a purpose built shed occupies an area of approximately 1,500 sq. feet. There is a large roller shutter door which remains open during trading hours. Within the building, there is a display area with items for sale, small workshop area for electrical testing and small office. It is arranged with smaller items displayed on racks and shelves and larger furniture items in rows and aisles. Some forecourt area is also used to display goods. For more information see the case studies section of the Waste Prevention Toolkit. The shop opens seven days per week and accepts: furniture such as tables, chairs, sofas cabinets; white goods; bicycles; household goods such as kitchen knick knacks, chinaware, glassware; musical instruments, sports equipment; bric-a-brac; records and books; gardening tools; and 20

21 some electrical goods and appliances (no televisions or computer monitors). A shop should be open to the public during HWRC opening hours and householders should be directed to donate potential re-usable items to the shop. Staff would then assess items and either accept for reuse or direct on to recycling and disposal facilities as appropriate. This option would require: shop with public access preferably open at weekends and peak times; separate parking for those delivering items and for shoppers; clear signage; staff to run facilities; site staff training; and audit management systems. Figure 15: Potential impact of onsite sales Scenario 2 - Sales on site Reuse Recycle Dispose This option provides the opportunity to work in partnership with a third sector organisation delivering social and economic benefit to the wider community. Scenario 3 Segregated for sale offsite This option also has the potential for high reuse rates. Availability of space at the HWRC is less critical for this option. With sales taking place off site, the key requirement is a storage shed or container where reusable items can be collected over the day and stored before being taken off site to sell through external outlets. As with other scenarios, items would be assessed for reuse potential either by site staff or by third party staff and directed appropriately depending on their condition and reuse potential. Typically, the space required would be similar to one or two roll on/roll off skips of 100 to 200 sq. feet, depending on level of throughput and frequency of collection. 21

22 This option would require: space to locate shed/container; secure dry facility; dedicated reuse staff on site; drop off donation point; and collection vehicle access. Figure 16: Potential impact of offsite sales by third party Scenario 5 - Segregated for sales off site Reuse Recycle Dispose Reuse markets Reuse markets or outlets vary across the country depending on local circumstances and characteristics. The Furniture Reuse Network (FRN) lists some 400 members throughout the UK, and, in addition many charity shops also sell donated furniture. When selecting the best option for increasing bulky waste reuse, a local authority will be to a large extent dependent on partnering with reuse specialists, who predominantly are third sector organisations supplying affordable goods to meet social needs. It will be important to work with partners that have secure outlets and convincing business plans for distributing items for reuse. It may require a stepped change, tailoring the system to match the capability and growth capacity of a local partner, starting with informal referrals and aiming for an eventual whole service contract. Typically, organisations may sell or donate reusable items through a variety of outlets including: retail reuse shop on primary and secondary high streets, in estates and in light industrial units; holding areas, such as garages and storage units, for appointment-based or supplied unseen sales and for giving directly to housing associations and other referral agencies and their clients; auctions; public sales fairs; online sales; and 22

23 online giving. Price ranges for goods will vary, reflecting the quality of item, the customer base and ability to pay. A rough guide is offered in the FRN s joint publication with the National Housing Federation: Win-win 2007, citing between 10 and 50 of retail prices. Charity shops tend to sell at second hand high street prices, at around of retail prices. The referral agencies may be other council departments such as social services or housing therefore when developing options it may be beneficial to involve other teams to assess the market in a local area and develop joint communications on the services available to householders. Other options There are many alternative opportunities to reuse items and avoid them entering the waste stream, from traditional donation to charity outlets, to ever developing online opportunities to give or sell items to be used again. The following provides examples of the scope for reuse that could be encouraged by a local authority. Online sale If the householder believes the item still has value, they may choose to advertise in local newspapers, classified ads in newspapers or online for a fixed price. Alternatively there are a number of online auction sites, one of the most well-known being ebay. Individuals can buy and sell a wide variety of goods, and charities can raise funds through ebay by selling items themselves or by receiving a donation from the sale of individuals items. By registering the charity and registering a seller s account, a charity can raise money and boost their profile. Online shops can be a cost effective way of selling goods due to the low staffing requirements and overheads. Alternative sites such as exist to provide a different online shopping experience that acknowledges the environmental benefits of selling second hand items online. Online giving/swapping Not all individuals or organisations want to make money from their items, but they do want to see their goods reused. In 2009, Freegle set up as a UK grassroots organisation of people who give and receive free unwanted items in their immediate communities. Freegle groups match people who have things they want to get rid of with people who can use them. Local charities, non-profit groups and communities are encouraged to join, and the principles are based on freegling! FREEly Given, Locally, Easily. Visit the website for more information: The Freecycle Network is like Freegle. It is a non-profit organisation with groups in over 80 countries with a membership of over four million. Everything posted must be free, legal and appropriate for all ages. Having started in America it came to the UK in Freecycle UK is a registered charity with a membership of close to one million. 23

24 Other sites such as Virtual Skips or Trash Cycle on also exist. The tonnage of material that is swapped on these sites is unclear. However it is evident that these groups play a part in waste reduction and reuse. A local authority has the option to promote existing websites more widely, or develop their own. However, there are disadvantages to the online swap shop system. At the moment, it is socially exclusive because of the need to have access to a computer and transport. Therefore, while it can be one part of the solution to encourage wider reuse and waste prevention, it should not be the only one. In addition, not all individuals will find the above websites easy to use, or they may not wish to register. Sometimes people like to use council facilities because there is a perception of quality and trustworthiness that other sites may not have. Therefore a number of authorities are developing their own waste exchange sites, although this obviously has resource implications. One example is the Freeuse site developed by North West Leicestershire District Council The site is a portal within the council website and is designed to be easy to access and understand. Charity shops Local authorities could investigate opportunities to promote furniture reuse shops managed by charities and social enterprises on their waste web pages and in literature. As part of a campaign to encourage people to donate to and buy from charity shops/reuse projects, charity maps connect waste prevention to one of our favourite pastimes shopping! A number of cities have produced popular charity maps. The Edinburgh-based sustainable development charity Changeworks (formerly LEEP) has produced two editions of the Edinburgh Charity Map through its Generous Scotland project. See their website for more details Alternative partnerships Furniture reuse organisations often work with housing associations or housing departments on a referral basis to provide reused items directly to those in need. This helps to ensure there is demand for items that are recovered for reuse from the waste stream. There are also opportunities to work with the voids teams to make use of items cleared from void properties that otherwise may simply be landfilled, providing an additional supply of items other than directly from householders. Void waste is often produced in large quantities, and it can be relatively easy to identify items for reuse or that can be recycled. The waste department will need to liaise with local housing associations, arm's length management organisations and the social care department to close the loop between supply and demand of reusable bulky waste. Cross departmental liaison can be an effective way of delivering valuable services and achieving targets as well as providing greater value for money for all departments involved. Given that budgets 24

25 are stretched and local authorities are expected to do more with less, any infrastructure or communications that can maximise resources should be welcomed. The FRN has produced useful guidance which is available to download at Win_Publication.pdf Life stages and events Bulky waste is often created at particular stages in our lives or to coincide with special occasions. It is worth checking to see if the council website has life stages information. For example, people are likely to look for advice at key points in their lives, which may coincide with the need to dispose of items (e.g. students, divorce/break-ups; house clearances or empty nesters). People moving into the area may be looking to purchase items. Suggestions for reuse could be made on these pages. There may also be opportunities to provide information on reuse outlets to people looking to move or to furnish new homes through local estate or letting agents. Recycling markets Before targeting specific streams for recycling, it is essential to have secure outlets for materials. There should be sufficient confidence that there will be continued demand for materials in the medium to long term before setting up the scheme. Markets for materials will depend on both quantity and quality of supply, how materials and goods are presented and the frequency of delivery. Materials vary in value and these can fluctuate with market conditions. Some materials collected for recycling will have a positive sales value while others will be collected for free or be charged a gate fee. Current prices can be found in trade publications such as Materials Recycling Week and letsrecycle.com and through WRAP s Materials Pricing Report. Specific arrangements can be discussed with individual processors and merchants for one-off or long-term arrangements. There will be local markets known to local authorities, the private sector and FROs, which can be investigated. There are also national bodies, which may be able to assist, as shown below: Material stream Wood Metals WEEE Plastics Contact The Wood Recycling Association British Metals Recycling Association Compliance Schemes or local Designated Collection Facilities British Plastics Website

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