URL: https://democracy.canterbury.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1696

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Councillor Charlotte Cornell introduced the report. It contained a strategy that set out a clear delivery framework that responded to current national legislative reforms including Extended Producer Responsibility (2025), Simpler Recycling (2026), the Deposit Return Scheme (2027) and the Emissions Trading Scheme (2028) alongside local priorities such as delivering cost-effective services and supporting Kent’s transition to a circular economy.   There were four Options for Cabinet to discuss:   Option 1: Do Nothing and retain current strategy  Option 2: Minor refresh of existing strategy  Option 3: Develop a new, updated strategy Option 4: Full revision with strategic environmental assessment and public consultation.   Cabinet noted the comments from the Companies Advisory Committee, and the following points were made:   ·         It was suggested that the changes to legislation might reduce recycling tonnage collection due to more locations being available for delivery of recycling, and members asked whether this could be forecast to ensure any reduction reflected behaviour change rather than service decline. ·         Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were established for this period; missed targets were not considered failures if reasons were given and KPIs properly adjusted. ·         It was noted that many groups outside the strategy were working towards plastic?free initiatives, and Cabinet welcomed the strong focus on behaviour change. ·         The future deposit payment scheme should be effective, as witnessed in Holland.   It was proposed, seconded and when put to a vote RESOLVED   That the Kent Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy be endorsed, committing the Council to work in partnership with all waste collection authorities (all district, borough and city councils) and Kent County Council, as waste disposal authority, to share best practice, to inform the delivery of efficient and effective waste collection services and to engage residents and wider partners to develop and deliver joint action plans towards achieving a circular economy.   Record of the voting: For: (8) Councillors Baldock, Castle, Dawkins, Charlotte Cornell, Chris Cornell, Hazelton, Nolan and Ricketts (8)   Against: none (0)   Abstained: none (0)   Reason for the decision: To allow the Council to work with the disposal authority and other districts to promote recycling, reduce contamination and residual waste

Date of Decision: March 16, 2026