URL: https://democracy.ribblevalley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1422

Decision Maker: Community Services

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Director of Community Services submitted a report updating members on the implementation of the Simpler Recycling guidelines and seeking committee’s support for a more proactive targeted approach to encourage recycling.   The collection of food waste from all households would become a statutory requirement in April 2026. Many Councils had experienced difficulty in procuring the necessary vehicles in time for the start date. It was now not possible to implement food waste collections at the required start date and starting prior to the delivery of vehicles would incur additional costs. The decision taken by committee to delay the introduction of food waste was based on a start date of October 2026. Due to the circumstances outside the Council’s control, following a rigorous procurement process, it was not possible to start until February 2027 at the earliest. This had exacerbated the situation from a reputational perspective but was not thought to increase the risk of legal challenge. The report provided full details of the risks of delaying implementation for consideration.   The Government had not allocated specific funding for food waste collections as previously expected, instead it had been included within the Council’s general grant settlement. Funding overall had been reduced and therefore there had been no additional funding for food waste collections.   RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:   Agreed to implementing Food Waste Collections from February 2027 due to circumstances outside the Councils’ control.

Date of Decision: March 10, 2026