WRAP have recently created a new tool on the LA Portal called the Kerbside Costing Tool (KCT) (Kerbside Costing | WRAP LA Portal). The tool provides local authorities with indicative costs and performance of different kerbside collection schemes.
This blog post provides an introduction into why the tool should be used, the tools features and the data utilised in the tool. To learn more join WRAP for an online training webinar on Tuesday 5th March at 10am which will include a live demonstration of how to use the Kerbside Costing Tool and a Q&A session.
Why use the Kerbside Costing Tool?
The tool provides local authorities with a quick and easy first step for considering alternative kerbside collection options. By presenting cost and performance information for multiple scheme types, local authorities can narrow down their options for a service change before undertaking more detailed options modelling.
Tool features
The tool contains two main functions:
- Compare multiple scenarios: View and compare a range of collection schemes to compare with your authority’s automatically assigned modelled service. Filter and search for different scenarios according to residual frequency and dry scheme type. All schemes presented in this part of the tool include a separate food waste collection, ensuring alignment with upcoming policy changes.
- Plan a service change: Specify the scheme type of your current kerbside collection, current disposal costs and the details of the scheme you are interested in switching too. This feature allows for a detailed comparison of your specified current and potential future service. These planned service changes can then be saved for future reference, allowing multiple service plans to be explored.
What data is used in the tool?
The modelled data presented in the Kerbside Costing Tool has been generated within the Indicative Costs and Performance (ICP) project. The ICP project is a peer reviewed standardised cost modelling approach utilising WRAP’s Kerbside Analysis Tool (KAT). KAT is an established model utilised extensively by WRAP when undertaking options modelling for local authorities.
It is important to note modelled costs in the KCT are specifically for kerbside properties only, therefore the variation in costs of collecting from communal bins (e.g. flats) and non-core rounds are not incorporated.
Currently the tool contains 24 modelled collection scenarios within each rurality group, meaning each local authority can use the tool to consider 24 different options. Users can choose any combination of the options presented in the table below to set what their current service costs are and explore the costs of alternative services.
|
Element of collection scheme |
Options |
|
Dry recycling: Dry scheme type |
Co-mingled |
|
Two-Stream, Glass separate |
|
|
Two-Stream, Fibres separate |
|
|
Multi-stream |
|
|
Residual waste: collection frequency |
Weekly |
|
Fortnightly |
|
|
Three-weekly |
|
|
Food waste: How is food waste collected? |
No collection |
|
Separate collection |
Rurality groups are used in the KCT to group different local authorities together according to their rurality and deprivation level. These two factors are shown to be key for determining the cost and performance of a local authority’s waste and recycling service. Data has been collected from local authorities in each group which is then used to model each rurality group.
To learn even more about the tool and how it could be of help to your authority, join us for an online training webinar 5th March at 10am
