Cost savings closing recycling centre one day per week

Dear Mr Jackson,

Thank you for your request for information regarding ‘Darwen and Blackburn recycling centres’ (reference number 04385). Your request was received on the 11/03/19 and I am dealing with it under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and/or Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

In some circumstances a fee may be payable and if that is the case, I will let you know. A fees notice will be issued to you, and you will be required to pay before we will proceed to deal with your request.

If you have any queries about this request, please contact Information Governance on 01254 585852. Alternatively, our email address is [Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council request email].         

Please remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Kind Regards,

Fatima Makken
Apprentice Information Governance Officer
Email: [email address]
01254 222527

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Dear Mr Jackson,

Thank you for your request for information regarding ‘Darwen and Blackburn recycling centres’ (reference number 04388); Please see our response below. If you have any queries regarding your request for information then please don’t hesitate to contact us.

I wanted to know if there were any calculations done regarding the reasons behind closing darwen and Blackburn recycling centres and reducing overall hours and if those figures have been born out after 1 month of implementation.
- The decision was based on the need to save money due to Council budget cists and the days chosen for closure were those with the lowest number of users

I also wondered if the tips were Council run or had been outsourced to sita etc... And if so how much does it cost to run per annum and expected savings under new system

The Council own the sites but outsource the management of the sites.

Your Request for costs per annum is refused under Section 43 of the Freedom of information Act.

See full text below.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000...

Also why was the decision made to limit DIY waste? I know from experience that wood and hardcore can be recycled for free so it seems strange to limit this versus large bulky items.

Wood is not subject the new permit system. Councils have no obligation to accept inert types waste but most do so, but many Councils have taken steps to reduce the amount of this material they will accept a) in the face of budget cuts and b) to help deter illegal trade waste entering the sites. The Council have adopted essentially the same policy that Lancashire County Council have had in place for the past 4 years at all their sites.

With this in mind is it possible to get a breakdown if it exists of the costs involved in disposing each class of waste, oil, hardcore, cardboard etc. And if a profit is made on any of them such as scrap metal for example.

This information is also exempt under Section 43 of the Freedom of Information Act.

See full text below.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000...

The contractor has the responsibility of finding disposal routes for the recyclable items plus the inert waste. Some of these will derive an income, others with incur a cost. The Council pays for the disposal of mixed rubbish.

If you are unhappy with the service you have received in relation to your request for information and wish to make a complaint or request a review of our decision, you should write to: Information Governance Manager, Information Governance, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, G Floor, Town Hall, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 7DY or email [Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council request email]
 
If you are not content with the outcome of your complaint, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Generally, the ICO cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted the complaints procedure provided by the Council. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF. 
 
Please find attached our 'have your say' feedback policy. 

Kind Regards,

Fatima Makken
Apprentice Information Governance Officer
Email: [email address]

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