Agenda item

A report considering the requirements linked to implementation of a food waste collection service from April 2026.

That Cabinet:

1)    NOTED the significant change in nation waste policy and the impact and implications this would have on waste services within Melton and corresponding Council resources.

2)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Housing and Communities in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Governance, Environment and Regulatory Services (Deputy Leader) to initiate and implement a contract variation to enable food waste collections to be included as part of the existing Municipal Waste Contract with Biffa, ensuring the service is operational by 1 April 2026, until the first contract review date in October 2028.

3)    NOTED that the agreement to proceed with implementation and operation of a food waste collection service is conditional on receiving sufficient revenue funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and that the Council’s financial sustainability or other legal obligation cannot be undermined in this process.

4)    Having noted the extensive lead time for delivery, DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services, to determine and implement the most appropriate contractual, funding and financing mechanism and capital and/or revenue budget requirements to secure up to five food waste collection vehicles to deliver the service. Any additional financing requirements would be included within the Council’s budget reports to be considered in February 2025.

5)    Following a successful procurement exercise, NOTED that an intention to award letter would be issued to the chosen supplier and a contract is in the process of being award for the supply of food waste caddies.

6)    As part of the Council’s ongoing discussions with Biffa, APPROVED that a formal TEEP (technically, environmentally and economically practicable) assessment be undertaken, to confirm the initial assessment that the requirement to implement separate paper and card recycling for the remainder of the existing Municipal Waste Contract period should be deferred to at least October 2028.

7)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Housing and Communities to fully evaluate future collection options, resourcing and procurement/contract requirements and to bring back a further report to Cabinet, with a view to ensuring the Council provides a Municipal Wate Service from October 2028 that balances Government requirements for Simpler Recycling with the Councils financial stability and ongoing assessment of technical, environmental and economic practicability.

8)    NOTED that Council would be requested, as part of the budget, to delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services, to access the reserves for up to £100k for project management and specialist resources in support of the work requirements set out within the recommendations.

The Portfolio Holder for Governance, Environment and Regulatory Services (Deputy Leader), Councillor Glancy, introduced the report and moved the recommendations. Councillor Allnatt seconded the motion.

The comment was made that it was benefical for residents that what can be recycled would be the same throughout the country.

Cabinet were informed that, even though not everyone is in favour of the changes, the requirement is a legal requirement. It was recognised that there is a need to keep every resident in the loop and that a message could be put in the leaflet that goes out with Council Tax bills.

A comment was made that the presence of more bins could make it difficult for disabled people to navigate pavements and alleyways.

The funding of the service was identified as a risk to the Council’s budgets.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet:

1)    NOTED the significant change in nation waste policy and the impact and implications this would have on waste services within Melton and corresponding Council resources.

2)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Housing and Communities in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Governance, Environment and Regulatory Services (Deputy Leader) to initiate and implement a contract variation to enable food waste collections to be included as part of the existing Municipal Waste Contract with Biffa, ensuring the service is operational by 1 April 2026, until the first contract review date in October 2028.

3)    NOTED that the agreement to proceed with implementation and operation of a food waste collection service is conditional on receiving sufficient revenue funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and that the Council’s financial sustainability or other legal obligation cannot be undermined in this process.

4)    Having noted the extensive lead time for delivery, DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services, to determine and implement the most appropriate contractual, funding and financing mechanism and capital and/or revenue budget requirements to secure up to five food waste collection vehicles to deliver the service. Any additional financing requirements would be included within the Council’s budget reports to be considered in February 2025.

5)    Following a successful procurement exercise, NOTED that an intention to award letter would be issued to the chosen supplier and a contract is in the process of being award for the supply of food waste caddies.

6)    As part of the Council’s ongoing discussions with Biffa, APPROVED that a formal TEEP (technically, environmentally and economically practicable) assessment be undertaken, to confirm the initial assessment that the requirement to implement separate paper and card recycling for the remainder of the existing Municipal Waste Contract period should be deferred to at least October 2028.

7)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Housing and Communities to fully evaluate future collection options, resourcing and procurement/contract requirements and to bring back a further report to Cabinet, with a view to ensuring the Council provides a Municipal Wate Service from October 2028 that balances Government requirements for Simpler Recycling with the Councils financial stability and ongoing assessment of technical, environmental and economic practicability.

8)    NOTED that Council would be requested, as part of the budget, to delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services, to access the reserves for up to £100k for project management and specialist resources in support of the work requirements set out within the recommendations.

(Key decision)

Reason for recommendations

To progress Melton Borough Council’s response to the Government’s Simpler Recycling requirements including the provision of a Food Waste Collection Service and to manage associated implications.