Material Acceptance at Household Recycling Centre Network.

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S75 Equality And Good Relations Screening Form

 

General Information 
Service/
Function
☒		 Policy/
Procedure
☐		 Project
☐		 Strategy
☐		 Plan
☐		 Guidance
☐
Is this an existing, revised or a new function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Existing   ☒         Revised   ☐       New   ☐
Operational Area Operations
Title Material Acceptance at Household Recycling Centre Network.
Brief Summary 
Council’s network of Household Recycling Centres accept a range of waste materials that it is not always possible or practical to dispose of in kerbside bins.
What is it trying to achieve? (intended aims and outcomes)
A list of materials has been identified that are suitable to be deposited at Council’s network of Household Recycling Centres.  The list aids the harmonisation of service delivery at the various sites.
Who owns and who implements each element of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Head of Operations. Implementation of on-site changes lead by Area Managers, assisted by Operations Supervisors.  Administrative help, and liaise with internal and external stakeholders, provided by Operations Technical section.

Other policies etc. which have a bearing on this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?

Strategies:
  • Northern Ireland Waste Management Plan
  • Requirement on council to achieve 55% waste from household recycling rate in 2025.
  • Health and safety considerations covered in service risk assessments.
Studies, Publications, Statistics and Guidance:
  • Range of acceptable wastes at household recycling centres publicised on council website in English and 46 other languages.
  • Information on acceptable wastes at household recycling centres was distributed to all households via a postal leaflet drop and residents newsletter in 2019.
  • Signage at household recycling centres advising of acceptable materials.
Available Evidence
Evidence to help inform the screening process may take many forms.  Public authorities should ensure that their screening decision is informed by relevant data.
What evidence/information (both qualitative and quantitative have you gathered to inform this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?  Specify details for relevant Section 75 categories.

It is proposed that all Section 75 categories will be considered via:
  • Quantitative evidence has been sourced via the NI Census in 2011 and the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey 2020.  
  • Census data is the most relevant available, providing a breakdown of the number of households, number of residents and population information.
  • Household recycling centres open to all households.
Section 75 Category 

Details of Evidence/Information

  • Mid-year 2020 NISRA statistics detailed the usual resident population of Causeway Coast & Glens Local Government District to be 144,900, accounting for 7.6% of the N.I. total.  Statistical information with regards to the Districts makeup and individuals therein was also reviewed. 
  • List of materials accepted at household recycling centres publicised on council website.
  • It is also clear that the majority of our borough is rural in composition and therefore the specific needs of those individuals must to be considered during screening. 
  • Of the 11 household recycling centres, 4 are located in or near the four main council area urban centres, the remaining 7 are located in or near rural villages.
Religious Beliefs 

The 2011 Census outlined:

Census 2011  CC&G Borough Council  Northern Ireland
Roman Catholic 36.97%  40.76%
Protestant & Other Christian (including Christian related)  48.44%  41.56%
Other Religions  0.59%  0.82%
None/Not stated  5.64%  6.75%

In terms of religion or religion brought up in the 2011 Census indicates that our resident’s religious beliefs are comparable to those in Northern Ireland in that there are 2 predominant groupings i.e. Roman Catholic and Protestant.  However we also have a number of individuals (5.64%) who do not practice a specific religion or who do not wish to be grouped into a specific religion.  In addition we have a small number of individuals who practice other religions.

The list of materials acceptable at Council’s network of Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) does not adversely impact anyone with or without a religious background.
 
Political Opinion

The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (2020) provides the following information on the political parties people in Northern Ireland feel closest to (this information is not available at Council area level) *:

Party %            
DUP/Democratic Unionist Party  23
Sinn Féin  11
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)  11
Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP)  14
Alliance Party  28
Green Party    4
Other Party    2
None of these    3
Don't know    3

The list of materials acceptable at Council’s network of Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) does not relate to any political opinion and therefore there is no adverse impact.
Racial Group

On Census Day 27th March 2011 the resident population was:

  N.I. (%) Rest of U.K. (%)  ROI (%)   Other Europe (%)  Rest of World (%)
N.I.  88.84 4.56  2.09  2.51  1.99
Causeway Coast & Glens Local Government District  91.02  4.99  1.42  1.45  1.06

The list of materials acceptable at Council’s network of Household Recycling Centres may impact on some racial groups where English is not the first language, however, this is mitigated by the translation function on the council website which allows translation of information into 40+ languages. Signage showing acceptable materials is present at all household recycling centres.  Text on signage is supported with iconography.
Age 

Age: (Mid Year 2020)*   (NISRA statistics)

  CC&G Borough Council  Northern Ireland
Under 15  28,600 (19.74%)  395,800 (20.88%)
16-64  89,200 (61.56%)  1,179,700 (62.24%)
65-84  23900 (16.49%)  280,600 (14.80%)
85 and over  3200 (2.21%)  39,400 (2.08%)
TOTAL Population 144,900  1,895,500

The list of materials acceptable at Council’s network of Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) does not adversely impact different age groups.  Recycling telephone helpline available for advice.
Marital Status

Marital Status: 
Marital status by former legacy Council area (most recent figures available from Census 2011):

Census 2011  Ballymoney BC  Coleraine BC  Limavady BC  Moyle DC
Single  32.68%  34.78%  36.64%  34.96%
Married  52.52%  48.88%  48.94%  49.03%
Civil Partnership  0.07%  0.06%  0.08%  0.08%
Separated  3.13%    3.15% 3.58% 3.66%
Divorced/
Civil
Partnership Dissolved 		 5.23%  6.13%  4.99%  5.11%
Widowed/
Surviving
Civil Partner 		 6.39%   7.00%  5.78% 7.15%

The list of materials acceptable at Council’s network of Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) does not adversely impact anyone according to their marital status.
Sexual Orientation

There are no specific figures available on how many people may be Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual or Trans-gender or Trans-sexual (LGBT) specific to the Council area. 

The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (2020)*   provides the following information on the sexual orientation of people in Northern Ireland (this information is not available at local government level):

  %
I am ‘gay’ or ‘lesbian’ (homosexual)    3
 I am heterosexual or ‘straight’  94
 I am bi-sexual    2
Other    1

In addition the NI Rainbow Project estimates between 6-10% of any given population could be considered as LGBT. 

The list of materials acceptable at Council’s network of Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) does not adversely impact anyone according to their sexual orientation.
Men and Women Generally 

Gender:  (Mid Year 2020 Population Estimates)* 

  CC&G Borough Council  Northern Ireland
Male 71,839 (49.6%)  934,155 (49.3%)
Female 73,104 (50.4%)  961,355 (50.7%)

The list of materials acceptable at Council’s network of Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) does not adversely impact men or women generally.
Dependants 

The Census information in 2011 showed:
People With or Without Dependents:

Census 2011 CC&G Borough Council  Northern Ireland 
Number of households  54,970  721,860
Households with dependent children  15,597 (28.37%)  261,251 (36.19%)

The list of materials acceptable at Council’s network of Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) does not adversely impact anyone with or without dependants.
Disability

People with a Disability/People Without:
People with a long term condition/illness by former legacy Council area (most recent figures available from Census 2011):

 

Census 2011 Ballymoney BC Coleraine BC Limavady BC Moyle DC
People with a long term condition/illness  30.6%  31.31%  31.05%  31.68%
People Without  69.4%  68.69%  68.95%  68.32%

 ____                                                              

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Long Term Condition:
Mobility or dexterity  19%
Long term pain or discomfort  17%
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing  14%
A chronic illness  11%
Deafness or partial hearing loss  9%
An emotional, psychological or mental health condition  9%
Other condition  9%
A learning, intellectual or social behaviour difficulty  3%
Frequent periods of confusion or memory loss  3%
Blindness or partial sight  3%
Communication difficulty  3%


Source: NINIS, Census 2011, KS302NI
Notes: 

1. ‘Communication difficulty’ means a difficulty with speaking or making yourself understood. 
2. ‘A mobility or dexterity difficulty’ means a condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, lifting or carrying. 
3. ‘An emotional, psychological or mental health condition’ includes conditions such as depression or schizophrenia. 
4. ‘Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing’ includes conditions such as asthma. 
5. ‘A chronic illness’ includes illnesses such as cancer, HIV, diabetes, heart disease or epilepsy. 
6. ‘Long-term’ refers to a condition which has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months.

As a result of this information, the list of acceptable HRC materials may have a minor impact on individuals with a disability. Council’s Disability Action Plan promotes equality for disabled people. Residents visiting a Household Recycling Centre can receive assistance from a member of staff to enable the correct recycling and disposal of waste.

Council website is compatible with screen reader software. All civic offices have Sign Video available. 

Adults with a disability can be accompanied by another adult to assist with the unloading of waste from vehicle.

Bulky household waste collection service also available.  Recycling telephone helpline available for advice.
Screening Questions
1. What is the likely impact on equality of opportunity for those affected by this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
Section 75 Category Positive
impact 		 Neutral  Negative
impact 		 Reason
Gender  Women    ☐   ☒ Major  ☐     
​Minor  ☐   		 Impact is neutral, service provision provided equally regardless of gender.
Men    ☐   ☒ Major  ☐     
​Minor  ☐   
Transgender men/women    ☐   ☒ Major  ☐     
​Minor  ☐   
Other please specify   ☐   ☐ Major  ☐     
​Minor  ☐   
Race
(As used in the 2011 census) 		 Asian   ☐   ☒ Major  ☐     
​Minor  ☐   

Impact is neutral. Plain English used for communication, signage erected at HRC, information available on council website in multiple languages. 

Recycling telephone helpline allows resident to talk to a member of staff for advice.
Black                      ☐   ☒ Major  ☐     
​Minor  ☐   
Chinese                ☐   ☒ Major  ☐     
​Minor  ☐   
Mixed race
White               		   ☐   ☒ Major  ☐     
​Minor  ☐   
Other please specify   ☐   ☐ Major  ☐     
​Minor  ☐   
Disability Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc.   ☐   ☐ Major  ☐     
​Minor ☒    

Impact is minor. 

Telephone recycling helpline number allows resident to talk to a member of staff for advice.

Council website is screen reader software compatible.  All civic offices have Sign Video available.

Iconography used on HRC materials signage.

Bulky household waste collection service available.
Sexual orientation  Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others    ☐   ☒ Major  ☐     
​Minor  ☐   

Service provision provided equally regardless of sexual orientation.
Age  Older People   ☐  ☐ Major  ☐     
​Minor ☒  

Impact is minor for older residents.  Mitigation has been included such as: 

Telephone recycling helpline number allows resident to talk to a member of staff for advice.

Information on council website.

Bulky household waste collection service available.
Younger people and children   ☐   ☒ Major  ☐     
​Minor  ☐   
Political Opinion     ☐  ☒ Major ☐   

​Minor  ☐  		 Impact is neutral as service provision is provided equally regardless of political opinion.
Religious Belief     ☐  ☒ Major  ☐     
​Minor ☐  		 Impact is neutral as service provision is provided equally regardless of religious belief.
Marital Status     ☐   ☒ Major   ☐    
​Minor  ☐   		 Impact is neutral as service provision is provided equally regardless of marital status.
Dependants     ☐   ☒ Major  ☐     
​Minor  ☐   

Impact is neutral as service provision is provided equally regardless of dependants.  Normal service to be resumed as soon as practically possible.

Bulky household waste collection service available.
 
Screening Questions
2. Are there opportunities to better promote equality of opportunity for people within any of the Section 75 categories?
Section 75 Category  If Yes, provide details  If No, provide details
Gender  Women    No.
Men
Transgender men/women
Other please specify
Race
As used in the 2011 census. 		  Asian Yes. Contact relevant community groups to advise of any changes.  The policy itself will not better promote equality.  
Black
Chinese
Mixed race White
Other please specify
Disability Long term health impairment could include mental health problems, asthma, heart conditions, chronic fatigue etc. Yes. Site control enables greater accessibility to recycling and waste receptacles. Staff can give assistance provided social distancing rules are adhered to. The policy itself will not better promote equality.  
Sexual orientation  Heterosexual, lesbian, gay men, bisexual, others    No.
Age  Older People,
Younger people and children 		 Yes. Contact relevant community groups to advise of any changes.  The policy itself will not better promote equality.  
Political Opinion      No.
Religious Belief     No.
Marital Status     No.
Dependants     No.
Screening Questions
3. To what extent is the policy likely to impact on good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
Section 75 Category Details of policy impact   Level of impact
major/minor/none
Religious Belief    None
Political Opinion    None
Racial Group Those who do not speak English as their first language can access translation services on council website.  Iconography provided on site signage.  Minor. 
Screening Questions
4. Are there opportunities to better promote good relations between people of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group?
Section 75 Category  If Yes, provide details  If No, provide details
Religious Belief    No.
Political Opinion    No.
Racial Group    No.
Additional Considerations

Generally speaking people can fall into more than one Section 75 category.  Taking this into consideration, are there any potential impacts of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance on people with multiple identities?  (For example:  disabled minority ethnic people, disabled women, young Protestant men, young lesbians, gay and bisexual people.)

People with different identities may be subject to a minor disadvantage which should be mitigated by measures in place such as communication material in various formats.

Older individuals with dependants who are restricted to home can avail of bulky household waste collection service.

Council website is screen reader software compatible. All civic offices have Sign Video. List of acceptable materials at household recycling centres can be found on council website.
 
Provide details of data on the impact of the function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance on people with multiple identities.  Specify the relevant Section 75 categories concerned.

Older individuals with a disability – communication in various forms, additional support.

Older individuals with dependants who are restricted to the home can avail of bulky household waste collection service.
 
Disability Considerations
Is there an opportunity to better promote positive attitudes towards disabled people by altering this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
       ☒    Yes           ☐     No
 
If yes, please give further information and examples:
Bulky household waste collection service in operation.
 
Is there an opportunity to encourage participation by disabled people in public life by altering this function, service, policy, procedure, project, strategy, plan or guidance?
          ☐    Yes            ☒    No
 
Please give further information and examples:
N/A
 

Screening Decision
Likely Impact
          ☐       Major                    ☐     Minor                  ☒         None


If the decision is to subject the policy to an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact – Major), please provide details of the reasons for this:

Not applicable.


If the decision is not to conduct an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact = Minor) the Council should consider if the policy should be mitigated or an alternative policy be introduced: 

Not applicable.

If the decision is not to conduct an equality impact assessment (i.e. likely impact = None), please provide details of the reasons for this:

List of materials which can be deposited at all HRCs is the same.  No complaints, feedback or requests for changes have been received.
 
Mitigation
When the Council concludes that the likely impact is ‘Minor’ and an equality impact assessment is not to be conducted, the Council may consider mitigation to lessen the severity of any equality impact, or the introduction of an alternative policy to better promote equality of opportunity or good relations.
Can the policy/decision be amended or changed or an alternative policy introduced to better promote equality of opportunity and/or good relations?
                             ☐         Yes                 ☒          No

If YES, give the reasons to support your decision, together with the proposed changes/amendments or alternative policy:

 
Timetabling And Prioritising
If the policy/decision has been ‘screened in’ for equality impact assessment, then please answer the following questions to determine its priority for timetabling the equality impact assessment.
On a scale of 1 to 3, with 1 being the lowest priority and 3 the highest, assess the policy in terms of its priority for equality impact assessment.
Priority Criterion Rating (1 to 3)
Effect on equality of opportunity and good relations N/A
Social Need N/A
Effect on people’s daily lives N/A
Relevance to the Council’s functions N/A
Monitoring
Please outline proposals for future monitoring of the policy/decision:

List of materials accepted at HRCs to be reviewed annually.
 
 
 
Approval And Authorisation
Screened By Position/Job Title Date Date
Operations Technical Manager 28/10/2021
 
Approved By Position/Job Title Date  
Head of Operations 20/12/2021

 

 *Sources:

Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey (NILT), Queen’s University Belfast and the Ulster University NI Life and Times Survey - 2020 : ORIENT2 (ark.ac.uk)
https://www.ark.ac.uk/elections/nlgccg.htm 

Northern Ireland Statistics website: www.nisra.gov.uk
2019 Mid Year Population Estimates for Northern Ireland | Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (nisra.gov.uk)
Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO.


 

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