Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Waste Collection Authorities

Monday 14 June 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Greg Clark asked about recent discussions on the performance of waste collection authorities with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
  • The government aims for councils to recycle 65% of municipal waste by 2035.
  • Greg Clark praised waste collectors for their work during the covid crisis and raised concerns about the performance of Urbaser in specific areas.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Greg Clark Con
Environment
Context

Discussions about the performance of waste collection authorities, focusing on recycling targets and management issues.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on the performance of waste collection authorities? Councils are set to recycle 65% of municipal waste by 2035. Are there any specific challenges or issues that have been highlighted?

Answer from Luke Hall

We have set a national ambition to recycle 65% of municipal waste by 2035. Councils will play a crucial role in meeting that target, and my Department will continue to work with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and local authorities across the country to improve recycling rates, reduce emissions and reduce the amount of waste ultimately sent to landfill.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific challenges or issues related to recent discussions were not addressed.

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Q2 Greg Clark Con
Environment
Context

Concerns about the waste contract management by Urbaser in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and Malling, with missed collections and roadside litter.

Question

Will my hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to our bin men and women, who worked magnificently throughout the covid crisis? There are growing concerns in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and Malling about the performance of Urbaser, including missed collections and uncollected litter. What can be done to put pressure on Urbaser to meet its agreed standards?

Answer from Luke Hall

I thank my right hon. Friend for his question and the opportunity to pay tribute to our waste collectors who worked magnificently throughout the pandemic, keeping communities clean and safe. It is up to councils to decide how best to manage their commitments and contractors' performance; however, my right hon. Friend's voice carries significant weight. I am sure his point has been heard clearly. I hope for a swift resolution.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures or actions to address Urbaser's poor performance were not provided.

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