The report of Director of Neighbourhood Services provided an update to Members regarding litter collection and treatment in Wirral and summarised the proposed Dog Fouling Strategy, following a request at Committee on 22 October 2020 for an update regarding litter in Wirral and what happened once it had been collected.  Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions at the end of March 2020 Wirral had seen a 53% increase in street cleansing waste collected.  Online reports of dog fouling had also increased by 23%. The Council was to follow set stages to tackle hot spot locations of dog fouling and litter, including Intelligence-led decision making, enabling, education, engagement and enforcement. All collected litter and street cleansing was sent with Wirral’s household waste to the energy from waste facility in Teesside, where it was burned to generate heat and electricity.  None of the litter was separated for recycling, due to high levels of contamination (non-recyclable materials, food and liquids).

Mike Cockburn, Head of the Environment and Climate Emergency Service, presented the report and gave additional details such as that residual household waste had increased due to home working. Footfall had increased in coastal locations which was challenging the volume of litter bins there, although there was an increase in volunteering litter-pickers such as Wirral Wombles. Regarding dog fouling there would be an audit of bins as some were in the wrong place, and an expansion of the dispensing boards for waste bags. A Communications campaign was planned as well as engagement with user groups and individuals.

Members asked questions with drew out additional details including:

·  Residual waste may have to be restricted to incentivize recycling.

·  Wirral would need to work with Liverpool City Region to make food recycling work.

·  There was new legislation expected from Government which would make food recycling statutory.

·  Members appreciated the work of the litter-picking volunteers.

Resolved - That

(1)   the report be noted.

(2)   the new staged approach to litter and dog fouling be supported.  The information gathered will be used to develop the dog fouling strategy.