The authority missed its recycling target in 2003/04 and is expected to fall short again when the 2005/06 results are published, but the Audit Commission has said that it is moving in the right direction.
” There are sound short-term plans for continued improvement in waste minimisation “
– Audit Commission
Dover's waste management was given a “fair” one star service by the Commission, but it was also described as having “promising” prospects for the future.
Commission inspectors believed that although waste and recycling has not been dealt with well by the council in the past, its new waste strategy was helping to change the situation.
A Commission inspector commented: “There are sound short-term plans for continued improvement in waste minimisation, using the draft waste strategy produced by the council.”
Limited
Inspectors commented that in the past the council had a “limited” engagement with its residents towards waste but added that it was now taking a “proactive approach to seeking the views of residents.”
The report also commended the council for making waste one of its priorities, improving the management of its waste contract, its “good” provision of bring sites and low waste arising per head of population.
In 2003/04 8% of the waste produced by households in Dover was recycled, missing the 10% target. But a commission inspector added: “Dover will not meet the 18% target in the current financial year. However it is improving the service such that it is confident that its target for 2006/07 will be met.”
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However the service as it stands was criticised by Commission inspectors who pointed out that the recycling scheme does not yet extend to the whole district.
It was also noted by inspectors lacked a structured education and communication programme and interaction with community groups was under developed.
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