20 October 2010
A new partnership between local authorities in East Sussex designed to deliver effective and efficient waste management services has been backed by councillors following a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening.
The meeting approved Eastbourne Borough Council to work hand in hand with East Sussex County Council and other borough and district councils to review the current waste strategy.
Among the partnership’s key roles will be to agree a new waste contract by March 2013, giving councils the chance to deliver cost savings and improved waste services.
It is believed savings of 10% could be achieved through the procurement of waste services on a large scale. Currently, collection services across East Sussex cost more than £15 million a year.
The partnership will also plan for improved recycling services. The council wants to set ambitious recycling rates to minimise and eventually find environmentally sound solutions for all waste.
Eastbourne Borough Council cannot do this alone and so the partnership is essential to allow local authorities to recycle more and dispose of waste effectively to the benefit of the whole community.
Councillor Steve Wallis, Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet member responsible for the environmental, said: “Entering the waste management partnership is an important step for the town.
“It will allow us to deliver major cost savings within waste management including collections through a more efficient procurement process. As most of the local authorities across East Sussex are involved, savings will be acquired through strong economies of scale.
“Eastbourne Borough Council will however remain committed to continuing to improve recycling facilities and safeguarding wheelie bin collections and maintain a good quality service our residents expect."
