SOUTHEND Council is continuing to miss its targets on recycling - but has yet to reveal by how much.

The council’s latest published performance review fails to show how much of the 54 per cent target for 2017/18 was achieved, saying it is awaiting data from Essex County Council.

The Echo reported last month the council was forced to renegotiate “high pressure” recycling targets in its contract with waste management company Veolia.

As a result, in 2018/19 the contractor will now aim to meet a three year low target of 46.38 per cent.

The council has presided over continuous falls in recycling rates – down from 49 per cent in 2015/16 to 46.6 per cent in 16/17.

Mark Flewitt, councillor responsible for public protection, said: “At a national level, recycling rates have declined and the amount of black sack waste has increased.

“Southend has not been immune from this trend. This has financial implications, in terms of tonnage charges applied by government to disposal of black sack waste and the amount of money waste companies can earn from the sale of recyclable products.”

Mr Flewitt added: “In order to ensure the continued viability of the council’s waste management contract with Veolia, formal negotiations have been held over recycling targets.

“As a result of these negotiations, we have re-profiled the recycling targets that we set Veolia and for 2018/19 this will be 46.38 per cent.

“This new target will increase on a phased basis and would still see Southend meeting the national recycling target set by government of 50 per cent by 2020.

“We have been clear during negotiations that more must be done to improve recycling rates.

“As a result, Veolia have recruited a further three recycling officers, whose role it will be to promote recycling among residents of the borough.”

The figures have not been helped by the issue of substandard pink sacks. Some have burst after being put out for collection and have been left behind on pavements.

A council spokesman said: “There was a limited batch of poor quality bags issued due to a supplier issue.

“When Veolia became aware, it suspended delivery to residents and has been issuing the usual standard bags.”

There was better news for the council with Veolia’s performance on street cleaning, according to the performance review. Cleansing standards for litter achieved 97 per cent against the target of 93 per cent.

The report said targets have been achieved and exceeded for both litter and detritus.

These standards have been the highest and best returns that have been attained previously since records began.

“This is a testament to the excellent street cleansing work being undertaken by Veolia to achieve these exceptional standards of cleanliness across the borough.”