The Cabinet has decided to approve changes to Household Waste Recycling Centres following a public consultation.

URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1981

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To consider the implementation of a range of service changes to Household Waste Recycling Centres that have been subject to recent public consultation.

Content: To consider the implementation of a range of service changes to Household Waste Recycling Centres that have been subject to recent public consultation. Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment and Communities which sought approval to changes to the Household Waste Recycling Centre Service.  This was the latest stage in the implementation of the Council’s Waste Strategy agreed in 2021. The report focused on the borough’s seven Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC’s) and presented a set of strategic options informed through a recent public consultation exercise.   Members were informed that the current long-term operating contract was due to end in March 2026 and the new contract was to be delivered by council-owned company Cheshire West Recycling Limited (CWR).  This provided the opportunity to consider how the HWRC service could be delivered in the future to ensure a modernised and affordable service, which was aligned with the Waste Management Strategy.   Members noted that three key ambitions and five solutions to help achieve those ambitions, as detailed in the report at sections 4.1.4 and 4.1.5, were consulted upon.  The consultation resulted in 3,553 people taking part, with 99% of responses being from residents within the borough.  The full consultation findings report, which outlines how the consultation was conducted and a summary of the feedback from respondents, was attached at Appendix 2.   Members further noted that the three ambitions had received overwhelming support during the public consultation with over 89% responding positively. However, two of the solutions had attracted a mixed response. The public consultation had seen concerns raised regarding a potential increase in fly-tipping, whether 24 visits per household was enough for regular users and it was questioned whether a limit of DIY waste was acceptable when some respondents believed it should be part of the free service available.   Members noted that the consultation feedback was fully reviewed and any concerns raised were considered.  Appendix 1 detailed how the Council was responding to the consultation feedback in the design of the final proposals to Cabinet.  For example, permitted visits would be increased to 30 visits per household over a 12-month period from the 24 visits originally proposed. Members acknowledged that, in response to the DIY waste concerns, the report emphasised that the majority of household DIY waste would still be free of charge and charges would only apply to larger volumes. The Council would also enable residents to bring an increased allowance than that suggested by Government guidance.  Following concerns regarding a change in User Policy, Members were reassured that the Council would ensure residents were fully informed through a Communications Plan which was set out in Appendix 4.   Cabinet Members welcomed the report and the recommendations.  In doing so, they acknowledged that fly-tipping had increased within the borough, however they noted there was a comprehensive mitigation plan which had been put in place to combat fly-tipping and manage any potential risk. The Council would also continue to work with Police on this persistent criminal offence and Members felt there was no suggestion that these changes would encourage an increase in this criminal behaviour.   Members thanked the officers, in particular Tara Dumas, Strategic Waste Manager, for producing the detailed report and for the comprehensive investigative work carried out to ensure the HWRC Service remained sustainable.  They welcomed the opportunity this presented to modernise the service and recognised the Councils’ ambitions for increasing reuse and recycling which, in turn, linked to the climate ambitions within the borough.   Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways (including Waste), led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Carol Gahan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Legal.   Visiting Members:  Councillor Simon Eardley spoke in relation to the item.   DECIDED:    That   1)            the changes to the Council’s HWRC Operational and Reasonable Use Procedures as described in this report be approved; and 2)            the Director of Environment and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways (including Waste), be delegated authority to update the published HWRC Reasonable Use Policy to reflect the approved changes.   Reason for Decision   These recommendations are made to:   i.              Deliver the commitments of the Council’s ten-year Waste Strategy; ii.            Improve the recovery of unwanted items and materials at their highest value, supporting the circular economy and the Council’s climate change goals; iii.           Ensure future costs of the HWRC service can be met, through the delivery of budget savings valued at £215,000 and comply with the Council’s Financial Contract Procedure Rules and ensuring full cost recovery where applicable; iv.           Align with new legislation and associated guidance prescribed by the Government (Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2023); and v.            To ensure continuous improvement of the service in line with UK best practice.   Alternative Options   1)            In the initial stages of proposal development (pre-consultation) the introduction of a booking system for HWRCs was examined. However, this was discounted in favour of the pre-registration system due to the concerns of the cost of managing bookings (with increased contact centre resources modelled) and limitations of contact centre opening hours, disadvantaging those without access to online systems. 2)            The number of visits were considered in several scenarios, when examining usage data. However, it was felt that the 30 visits per household proposed would be effective in reducing unauthorised use, whilst taking on board the concerns of consultees who use the sites regularly, especially for depositing green waste. 3)            The option to stop accepting volumes of non-household in excess if the government guidance was considered. However, a chargeable option to enable residents to bring larger quantities provides a convenient alternative offering good value when compared to a commercial skip service (Appendix 1 refers). 4)            An option is to “do nothing”. However this is not recommended for the financial reasons set out in the report.

Date of Decision: June 11, 2025