The Committee said councils that have successful recycling schemes should share their ideas with other authorities to improve recycling rates nationwide.
Speaking at the Environmental Services Association seminar on best practice in recycling yesterday, LARAC chairman Andy Doran said: “If a local authority has something good then it should be prepared to share that idea, authorities also need to pick up ideas from elsewhere.”
” We have piloted things to death – there is no need to pilot any more. “
– Andy Doran, LARAC
Mr Doran also said that councils requiring performance improvements need to begin looking around for schemes that have proven to work, rather than trying new ideas. He said: “We have piloted things to death – there is no need to pilot any more. What needs to be done now is for local authorities to put into practice schemes that work,” he said.
Mr Doran also championed the use of simple systems for the collection of recyclable material. He said that simple, easy-to-follow schemes will have more impact as well as lasting longer.
Adapt
As part of his discussion on promoting good practice, Mr Doran claimed that local authorities had to be prepared to adapt their schemes over time. He said: “What was good practice last year probably won't be good practice in five years' time. With certain materials becoming easier to recycle, local authorities need to adapt when the need comes for a change to their system.”
The LARAC chairman also called for local authorities and waste management companies to discuss ways of approaching targets, rather than dwelling on the final target when organising and agreeing new contracts.
He said: “Partnerships need to define more than just targets. Many partnerships set out a final target but don’t map the way to reach that target, which leads to everyone pulling in a different direction. Establishing the route is as important as setting a target.”
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