Issue - meetings

The committee considered the report which provided an update on the legislation announced by Government in October 2023, as part of the Simpler Recycling Scheme, which mandated the introduction of weekly food waste collections for all local authorities by no later than 1 April 2026. The report sought approval to implement the recommended approach to delivering these weekly collections, as well as how residents were to be engaged throughout the process.

The report also set out the proposal to move to a three-weekly collection frequency for residual waste, to be delivered in parallel with the roll out of weekly food waste collections, in order to mitigate the risks around joining up large scale operational changes and the potential financial impact of introducing weekly food waste collections on the Council’s revenue position.

Cllr Liz Braithwaite spoke as a visiting member to highlight concerns about bin storage for residents in town centre wards and offered to accompany officers on a tour of her ward to demonstrate the issue.

It was noted that assisted collections would continue to be available for residents with a medical need for support. Issues of human waste would be looked at through an equality impact assessment.

An amendment to recommendation 3, as set out in the report, was moved and seconded which sought to include that the authority would be delegated to the Interim Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services in consultation with the Chair, Vice-Chair and Opposition Spokesperson. This was carried by majority and became part of the substantive motion.

A further amendment was moved and seconded which sought to amend the wording of recommendation 3, maintaining the inclusion of the above wording, to read:

3. Delegate authority to the Interim Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods, in consultation with the Chair, Vice-Chair and Opposition Spokesperson, to take all necessary steps to undertake a public consultation exercise relating to a move to three-weekly curbside collections, with the results brought back to Committee in support of a future decision around implementation.

This was carried by majority and became part of the substantive motion.

RESOLVED:

That the Environment and Communities Committee:

Unanimously:

1. Note the legislative requirement for the Council to implement weekly food waste collections by no later than 1 st April 2026

2. Approve the proposed approach as set out in the paper in order that the Council can comply with legislation mandating the introduction of weekly food waste collections, and delegate authority to the Head of Environmental Services to take all necessary steps to implement these proposals

By majority:

3. Delegate authority to the Interim Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods, in consultation with the Chair, Vice-Chair and Opposition Spokesperson, to take all necessary steps to undertake a public consultation exercise relating to a move to three-weekly curbside collections, with the results brought back to Committee in support of a future decision around implementation.