URL: https://democracy.northdevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4645

Decision Maker: Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee, Strategy and Resources Committee

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee considered a report by the Works and Recycling Manager (circulated previously) regarding Simple Recycling – Soft Plastics trial update.   The Works and Recycling Manager outlined the report to the Committee.   In response to questions from the Committee, the Works and Recycling Manager advised the following:   ·         The majority of other Devon Councils had decided to defer the implementation of the collection of soft plastics in light of Local Government Reorganisation and following DEFRA’s decision to postpone the introduction of soft plastics collections until April 2030. ·         Some supermarkets were collecting soft plastics for recycling. However, the soft plastics were sent to the same reprocessing plant as the Council used.  Supermarkets had to pay for the disposal of the soft plastics.  50% collected would be recycled and the other 50% would get incinerated for energy from waste.  When the recycling of soft plastics was rolled out across the country, it was anticipated that supermarkets would no longer collect soft plastics due to the costs incurred.  Following the trial, 100% of residents would prefer to recycle their soft plastics at the kerbside.   In response to questions from the Committee, the Director of Resources and Deputy Chief Executive advised the following:   Following Local Government Reorganisation, the new Devon Unitary Authority would be delivering services in April 2028.  As part of this, discussions would need to take place on the future infrastructure, vehicles and collections for the waste and recycling service for Devon.  The Works and Recycling Manager would be part of a working group and have input into these discussions and considerations.   The Committee considered the following:   Expressed its disappointment that the Council would not be able to roll out the collection of soft plastics at this time due to DEFRA’s decision to postpone the introduction of soft plastics collections until April 2030.  The Committee valued the trial that had been undertaken and the feedback from residents and thanked Officers involved in the trial. Once the report had been considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee, there would be a need to feedback to those residents that took part in the soft plastics trial to thank them for taking part and provide an explanation as to why the Council had taken a decision to not continue with the collection of soft plastics following DEFRA’s decision to postpone the introduction of soft plastics collections until April 2030.   RESOLVED that Strategy and Resources Committee be recommended that the implementation of Soft Plastics collections is deferred until April 2030.

Date of Decision: September 3, 2026