Aiming to improve customer service following “tremendous growth” in demand for re-usable goods, the trial will involve items being taken away and tested for their safety and performance.
” Many of these sites are small, with sales displays sited close to traffic causing congestion and potentially putting the public at risk “
– Cllr Adam Paynter, Cornwall CC
The council will provide covered containers to store reusable items before they are sold through local auctions or retail outlets.
The trial will start when SITA UK takes over responsibility for dealing with Cornwall's waste in April 2007 under the new 30 year, 500 million PFI contract. (see letsrecycle.com story).
Cllr Adam Paynter, Cornwall county council's executive member for environment and Heritage, said: “The aim of this trial is to look at ways of increasing the reuse of goods, while protecting the public and site staff from traffic hazards and complying with both health and safety and product safety requirements. SITA has a 50% target for reuse and recycling at recycling centres, and faces financial penalties if it does not meet this.”
Trading Standards officers have advised Cornwall county council that goods must be checked to ensure they are fit for purpose and safe to use.
Cllr Paynter said: “There has been a tremendous growth in the sale of discarded goods taken to CA sites in recent years, and we are delighted by this increase, which is helping to divert waste from landfill.
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“However, many of these sites are small, with sales displays sited close to traffic causing congestion and potentially putting the public at risk. At many sites goods are also stored in the open, with electrical items, books etc at risk of being damaged by weather,” Cllr Paynter said.
Full details of the trial are still being discussed, but the county council will carry out a site survey to assess the quantities of goods involved and seek views from service users.
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