URL: https://committeeadmin.lancaster.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1568

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To allow Cabinet to consider options that will meet the outcomes described in the Government’s waste strategy.

Content: To allow Cabinet to consider options that will meet the outcomes described in the Government’s waste strategy. (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hart )   Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Environment & Place to consider and approve a different delivery model for waste and recycling operations, to deliver the outcomes required by the governments national waste strategy.  The report was complimented by an informative power point presentation delivered by the Chief Officer.   The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:   Each option presented in the report has been investigated, modelled and forecast based through a number of pieces of work with a focus on a solution that offers an increase in recycling rate, operational efficiency, resident participation increase and financial benefit.   Option 1 would move the districts residual collection frequency to three weekly at the same time as introducing weekly food waste recycling. Wheelie bin investment could offer alternate fortnightly recycling frequencies for residents whilst offering increased capacity to recycle greater volumes. This option offers a potential financial saving with the reduction of fleet vehicles and associated costs. Modelling forecasts an increase in recycling rate but offers significant risk in regard to resident understanding and participation, and also regarding operational planning issues as it offers its complexities. This option, due to its complexities, offers risk with the number of missed, or none presented bins likely to increase at which point this would involve cost increases on collection.   Option 2 would see the district having waste frequencies that would include three weekly collections of residual and recycling streams, with weekly food waste recycling. It is modelled on wheelie bin recycling investment to increase capacity and recycling rate. It is understood that this option will offer a higher recycling rate for the district, offers operational planning benefits and is easy to understand for the resident. The cost of this option is similar to current operations and therefore doesn’t offer a financial efficiency.   Option 3 represents consideration to introduce food waste recycling weekly as mandated by government, but keep other collection methods as they are now, including boxes for recycling. Whilst this option will reduce the burden on the capital investment programme, it will stifle the district’s ability to increase its recycling rate, offer no incentive for residents to participate in food waste recycling and will work against the authorities’ priorities on zero waste to landfill.     Option 1: Three weekly residual, alternate recycling (4 weekly per stream), plus food waste   Residual bin – 3 weekly DMR¹ bin – 4 weekly Paper bin – 4 weekly Food caddy - weekly Option 2: Three weekly residual, three weekly recycling per stream, plus food waste   Residual bin – 3 weekly DMR¹ bin – 3 weekly Paper bin – 3 weekly Food caddy - weekly Option 3: Keep current collection method plus food waste     Residual bin – 2 weekly DMR¹ box – 2 weekly Paper box – 2 weekly Food caddy - weekly Advantages ·   Potential cost savings with a forecasted reduction of 1 vehicle  · Increase in recycling rate · Increase in recycling rate versus current and small increase in rate · Provide consistent collection frequency across all streams · Provides a more operationally straightforward service · Reduction in missed bins · May help with crew familiarity doing same rounds each week · Easier to understand for residents · No resident interruptions to service · Calendars remain the same · Crew familiar with current collection system · No system updates required Disadvantages · Complex calendar system (every other  week requires multiple streams to be presented at kerbside) · Operational challenges  associated with complex service configuration · System updates   required · Introduction of new calendars · Resident communication initiative required · No Cost savings   · System updates  required · Introduction of new calendars · Resident communication initiative required · Difficult to increase recycling rate with status-quo · No cost savings · Lower participation rate in food waste recycling · Works against council priorities Risks ·  Exponential increase in missed bin reports · Deterioration of resident perception · Impact on program adoption through negative feedback · Residents may see change in frequency as negative · Introduction of changes may lead to small rise in missed bins until program is settled in · Residents may see change in frequency as negative · Funding implications with no increase in recycling rate   ¹ DMR - Dry Mixed Recycling (glass, plastic and cans     The options available to the Council are outlined in paragraphs 5.2 to 5.4 of the report and all offer advantages and disadvantages. Any decision moving forward should consider a balanced approach to residents whilst taking into account the national strategy, financial position of the authority and operational efficiency.   Option 2 is the officer preferred option – to approve the proposed policy to move towards designated weekly food waste recycling, three weekly residual waste collections and three weekly recycling of current streams. It is felt that this will contribute to a smoother operation and be kinder to the public in knowing what is required on their behalf. It is anticipated that recycling rates will increase and therefore contribute to the national strategy.   The Portfolio Holder and the Chief Officer responded to a number of questions.   Councillor Hart proposed, seconded by Councillor Caroline Jackson:-   “That the recommendations as set out in the report be approved with Option 2 agreed as the delivery model with the following additional recommendation;     “ The proposals included in the report have been arrived at to ensure the Government’s waste strategy is implemented within the financial and operational context of the Lancaster District. They also seek to reduce the overall quantity of household waste, to increase the proportion of household waste that is recycled and to maximise our eligibility for relevant Government funding in the future.   They are underpinned by extensive analysis, due diligence and appropriate consultation.   It is very much recognised that prior to actual implementation, from April 2026, there will be a need for agreement of local policy with regard to specific waste collection issues. As such it is recommended that-   (a)   The Portfolio holder and Chief Officer lead the formation of a waste collection policy implementation group (consisting of cross party members and  appropriate officers) to report back to report its recommendations back to Cabinet in the autumn. This group will develop a terms of reference that will include engagement and consultation with residents and service users.   (b)   Overview and Scrutiny Committee will have a report and presentation on this matter at their meeting on 28th May . Cabinet further invites Overview and Scrutiny to consider the implications of the implementation of the Government’s waste strategy in their work programme and make appropriate policy recommendations to Cabinet.”   Councillors then voted:-   Resolved unanimously:   (1)        That in order to deliver the outcomes required by the national waste strategy, and having taken into account a range of factors including the need to reduce waste, increase recycling, provide a service that meets the needs of our residents and that is financially viable, Option 2 as set out in the report, be agreed as the delivery model for waste collection from 31st March 2026.   (2)     That having approved Option 2 as the delivery model Cabinet approve the capital investment of wheelie bin recycling as included in the development section of the Capital Programme, with a provisional operation commencement date of 1st April 2026.   (3)     The proposals included in the report have been arrived at to ensure the Government’s waste strategy is implemented within the financial and operational context of the Lancaster District. They also seek to reduce the overall quantity of household waste, to increase the proportion of household waste that is recycled and to maximise our eligibility for relevant Government funding in the future.   They are underpinned by extensive analysis, due diligence and appropriate consultation.   It is very much recognised that prior to actual implementation, from April 2026, there will be a need for agreement of local policy with regard to specific waste collection issues. As such it is recommended that-   (a)   The Portfolio holder and Chief Officer lead the formation of a waste collection policy implementation group (consisting of cross party members and  appropriate officers) to report back to report its recommendations back to Cabinet in the autumn. This group will develop a terms of reference that will include engagement and consultation with residents and service users.   (b)   Overview and Scrutiny Committee will have a report and presentation on this matter at their meeting on 28th May. Cabinet further invites Overview and Scrutiny to consider the implications of the implementation of the Government’s waste strategy in their work programme and make appropriate policy recommendations to Cabinet.   Officer responsible for effecting the decision:   Chief Officer Environment & Place   Reasons for making the decision:   The decision enables Council services to start the implementation work stream as set out in the report and look to articulate the changes to residents.   This decision will assist the authority in complying with the national policy framework as set out within the Government Waste Strategy There is also clear links to the Corporate Priorities 2024-2027 – including ambitions 1.5 reducing waste, 3.2 quality open space, 4.1 value for money, 4.3 investing in our skills and facilities, 4.5 innovative public service and 4.6 openness.    

Date of Decision: May 20, 2025