Agenda item

To propose revised waste policies, including the Policy Development Panel’s feedback (report of the Director of Communities).

Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Communities which requested approval of waste policies required to implement the new waste collection delivery model.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Environmental Services presented the report.

Cabinet made the decision in July 2025 to change the waste collection regime within the South Holland area and since that time, the team had been working towards implementing those changes.

A key item of those changes were the new waste policies which had been considered by two Special Policy Development Panel meetings on 17 December 2025 and 9 February 2026, prior to consideration at this meeting.

Members were reminded that these changes were driven by the Environment Act including the introduction of weekly food waste collections and the separation of paper and card from other recyclables.

The policies could be found in Supplement 1 of the agenda pack:

• Appendix A - Summary of Policies and Policy Development Panel discussions; and
• Appendix B - Full Policies document

Whilst there were a number of changes to the policies as a result of moving from bags to bins, the key change to identify was policy 3.5 on Side Waste, which stated that nothing placed outside of the bin would be collected.

For properties that were identified as not being suitable for bins, the policy outlined the number of bags that would continue to be provided and how many could be presented per collection.

Although the changes may be unpopular, SHDC as a local authority was required to:

• Control the amount of waste being collected.
• Drive up the amount of waste being recycled.
• Drive down the amount of waste being incinerated.

All of these would lead to a more effective and efficient service.

For those with additional capacity needs, Policy 3.14 showed that households of 6 or more residents or those with health needs would be able to request additional capacity.

Consideration was given to the report and the following issues were raised:

·       Members acknowledged the thorough work undertaken by the Policy Development Panel in scrutinising the policies.

·       Members raised concerns regarding the proposed charging arrangements for places of worship, village halls and community centres, noting that these venues were often run by volunteers and not-for-profit groups.  They also queried the original policy position relating to bin allocation and charging, particularly the shift from providing one free bin set to charging for all containers.

o   The Portfolio Holder responded that one free bin had been the original policy position, that the Policy Development Panel had recommended the revised approach of charging at a commercial rate due to the commercial nature of many activities undertaken within these buildings, such as private hire events, and that Cabinet retained the authority to amend the recommendations. It was confirmed that one free set of bins could be provided, with any additional requirement chargeable.

·       Councillor Taylor proposed an amendment to Recommendation 1, clarifying that places of worship, village halls and community centres should not be charged at a commercial rate and instead be provided with a free set of bins, with additional requirement chargeable.  Councillor Casson seconded this amendment, a vote was taken and the amendment to recommendation 1 was approved.

·       Members asked for clarification on the financial implications of the new waste service and queried the overall cost.

o   The Portfolio Holder advised that a breakdown had been provided and agreed previously at Cabinet and Council in June/July 2025, and an updated position would be reflected in the Budget 26/27.

·       Members raised concerns about the level of public education required to support the implementation of the new waste model, stressing the importance of clear, ongoing communication about what materials should be placed in each container and the reasons behind the changes.

o   The Portfolio Holder responded that an engagement team would be put in place and that extensive communication would accompany the roll-out, funded in part by additional monies secured to support the transition.

·       Members asked for further information regarding the Government’s expectations that household waste levels should reduce, querying how this would be achieved and what would happen if residents did not reduce the volume of waste they produced.

o   The Portfolio Holder reiterated that the national policy direction encouraged reduction and reuse and that ongoing resident engagement and education would support behavioural change.

·       Members queried the policy commitment to collect missed bins within five working days, expressing concern about where bins would be kept in the interim.

o   The Portfolio Holder confirmed that the commitment had been strengthened following feedback from the Policy Development Panel and clarified that where authorised, recollection would take place within the specified timeframe.

·       Members raised concerns about the potential for food waste caddies to blow away during high winds, particularly in exposed rural areas.

o   The Leader advised that other authorities operating similar systems had not experienced significant issues and confirmed that the caddies met industry standards for stability and durability.

·       Members sought assurance that Cabinet would undertake a review of the new waste arrangements no later than twelve months after implementation, noting the scale of change and the likelihood that adjustments would be required.

o   The Leader acknowledged the point and referred to previous discussions at the Policy Development Panel which had recognised the need for flexibility during the early stages of the service.

DECISION:

1)    That following review, the waste policy revisions suggested from the Policy Development Panel meetings of 17 December 2025 and 9 February 2026, as set out in Appendix A, be noted and agreed, with the exception of the proposal at item 3.15(e) (Bins at Places of worship, village halls and community centres - charging a commercial rate for collections from village halls and community centres should be considered due to commercial use.) – it was agreed that these premises should not be charged at a commercial rate, and instead be provided with a free set of bins, with additional requirement chargeable;

2)    That the waste policies as presented n Appendix B be approved;

3)    That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director – Neighbourhoods, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Environmental Services, to approve minor and operational changes to waste policies should there be future need.

4)    That the Equality Impact Assessment of the policies presented in Appendix C be noted.

(Other options considered:

·       Not applicable;

Reasons for decision:

·       To enable the Council to provide a clear set of policies for the new waste collection service delivery model to ensure legal compliance, to provide an efficient and effective service, and to provide clear information to residents).