What is the Beacon Council Scheme? The Beacon Council Scheme is at the heart of the Government’s plans to modernise local government; activating the provision of better local services and enabling the local community to have a greater say about what happens in their local community.
The role of the Beacon Council is to set the pace of change and act as a centre of excellence by spreading best practice and sharing experience. A good council should:
- be forward looking and innovative;
- deploy resources effectively;
- have a clear vision;
- undertake a rigorous performance review; and
- work in partnership.
Ministers selected Beacon Councils on the basis of advice of an independent advisory panel who recommended councils that are good across the board and excellent in the particular service.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council was awarded Beacon Council status in the theme ‘Sustainable development: dealing with waste’
The Government’s vision of sustainable development is based upon four broad themes:
- effective protection of the environment;
- maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment; and
- prudent use of natural resources;social progress which recognises the needs of everyone.
Waste has two main impacts on sustainability:
- consumption and efficient use of resources
- dealing with waste to minimise the impact upon the environment.
One of the key ways in which councils can work towards a clean and healthy environment is by working with their local communities and local businesses to ensure waste is dealt with in a sustainable way.
St Edmundsbury Borough Council has developed strategic alliances with the private sector, other councils and the local community and has achieved significant environmental targets for the handling of waste and a reduction in the amount of waste going to landfill.
Four open days were held during 2000 - 2001 and attracted representatives from a wide range of councils and other external organisations. The aim of the open days was to promote best practice on the diversion of compostable green waste from landfill disposal to centralised composting. The program for the open days included a full presentation on the introduction of the trials, which included the adoption of the preferred collection method, the success and future strategy. This was followed by three visits to:
- brown bin collection area
- composting plant, Lackford landfill site, Bury St Edmunds
- County Mulch Company Ltd, Creeting St Mary
Further Information
St Edmundsbury Borough Council can supply information on the kerbside collection scheme and arrange visits for interested councils.
If your authority is interested in green waste composting and would like further information, please contact:
Recycling and Waste Management Section
St Edmundsbury Borough Council
St Edmundsbury House
PO Box 122
Western Way
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk
IP33 3YS
Phone: 01284 757320
Fax: 01284 757462
Email: waste.management@stedsbc.gov.uk
