An Audit Commission report on the waste management services provided by City of York Council has shown that there have been 'significant improvements' since the last inspection in 2004.

The report was based on an inspection carried out in June of this year and concluded that the council has adopted a 'structured and effective response' to the findings of the 2004 inspection.

It found that customer contact and consultation on new projects has improved, with most enquiries now being dealt with at the first point of contact, and that there was clear cross-party commitment to further improving services. The report indicated that seven priorities established following the 2004 inspection have either been completed or progressed, and that joint corporate priorities agreed by councillors since the May election have set more challenging targets for waste management services.

It was also found that effective improvements have been made to performance management arrangements and that structural changes have created a more co-ordinated and seamless service.

The report stated that the council and its partners are making good progress and taking appropriate advice on the future provision of waste disposal facilities. It also concluded that investment in the service is improving performance and that, since expenditure is lower than that of most other unitary councils, the waste management service is providing good value for money.

Potential areas for further improvement include the need to reduce the number of missed bins, tackle staff sickness levels and enhance recycling arrangements. It was also felt that the waste management service plan for 2007/08 needs to be more clearly focused in terms of the service's priorities. However, during the last year the council has significantly enhanced the range of recycling services that it provides for residents. This has included the creation of a new cardboard recycling collection for homes across the city  and the opening of the Hazel Court Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), and seen the total recycling rate reach an impressive 42 per cent. The council is currently in the process of setting up recycling schemes within its own offices and buildings. Early indications show that this is proving very successful, with 47 per cent of waste generated by staff based at the Eco Depot  recycled during the first six weeks.

John Goodyear, assistant direction of commercial services, said: "We are delighted that the inspection has shown that real progress has been made in a number of key areas over the last three years. We'd like to thank local residents who have really embraced the recycling services that we have put in place, helping us to push the recycling rate up further. However, we recognise that there is still work to be done and won't be resting on our laurels.

"We are currently working with North Yorkshire County Council to jointly review our waste disposal arrangements and this will have a significant impact on shaping the service in the future."