The Warwickshire Waste Partnership met on Wednesday 17 June 2026 to discuss a range of waste management issues. Key topics included performance data for the 2025-2026 financial year, updates on national waste strategies, and plans for food waste collections. The meeting also addressed the persistent issue of fly-tipping and health and safety concerns related to waste.

Waste Management Performance Data 2025-2026

The partnership was scheduled to review provisional waste management performance data for the 2025-2026 financial year. The report indicated a slight increase in the recycling and reuse rate, by 142 tonnes, bringing it to 23.8%. However, composting rates saw a significant decrease of 5,496 tonnes, resulting in an overall recycling, composting, and reuse rate of 50.1%, a drop of 2.1%. Landfill rates decreased by 27.0%, while energy from waste increased by 11.3%. Residual waste saw an increase of 4.3%. Data for Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) also showed a slight decrease in the recycling percentage compared to the previous year. The partnership was asked to note this provisional data.

Update on Resources and Waste Strategy for England

An update was provided on the national Resources and Waste Strategy for England. Key elements discussed included the ongoing implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility, which had been in operation for nearly a year. The strategy also covered Simpler Recycling initiatives, with a focus on ensuring all district and borough councils deliver dry mixed recycling to Sherbourne, which can separate all required materials. The upcoming launch of a Deposit Return Scheme, planned for October 2027, was also mentioned, with an implementation plan expected in May 2026. Digital waste tracking was noted as a requirement for the County Council from October 2026, and the increase in landfill tax to £130.75 per tonne was highlighted. Anticipated costs from emissions trading from 2028 reinforced the need to reduce residual waste.

Food Waste Collection Plans Update

The meeting was scheduled to receive updates on food waste collection plans across the various district and borough councils. Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council was nearing the completion of procurement processes, with an indicative rollout date for food waste collections set for late September 2026. Rugby Borough Council planned to commence food waste collections on 6 July 2026. North Warwickshire Borough Council had a phased rollout planned, with initial deliveries of caddies experiencing delays due to a supplier issue, but a trial for 750 properties was scheduled to begin in early June 2026, with a wider rollout for the remaining households commencing on 6 July 2026. Warwick District Council reported that most communal properties were now receiving food waste collections, with efforts underway to monitor participation and offer support.

Fly-Tipping Update Report

An update on fly-tipping in Warwickshire was presented, including the latest national data and a summary of discussions from an Officer Focus Group held in May. The report highlighted a national trend of increasing fly-tipping incidents year on year. Within Warwickshire, there was also an overall trend of increase, with factors such as changes in recording methods and improved public reporting contributing to observed increases. The focus group meeting involved detailed discussions on prevention and enforcement, including enforcement structures, staffing, penalty notice levels, and cross-border issues. Recommendations included acknowledging the latest data, holding further officer-level meetings to share good practice and plan cooperative activities, and writing to National Highways to request the use of variable message signs to announce Warwickshire as a Fly-tipping Enforcement Area. A further update was scheduled for the December meeting.

Health and Safety

A discussion was scheduled regarding health and safety, with a particular focus on fires caused by batteries and vapes in waste streams. Recent incidents involving fires in recycling and refuse collection vehicles were reported, leading to significant damage and vehicles being taken out of service. The increasing risk associated with rechargeable batteries and vapes was highlighted. Mitigation measures, including separate battery collection cages and disposal requirements, were outlined, alongside challenges related to cost and vehicle retrofitting. Public messaging regarding the correct disposal of vapes and batteries was emphasised.

Waste Partners Update

Updates were provided from various waste partners, including Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, North Warwickshire Borough Council, Warwick District Council, and Stratford-on-Avon District Council. These updates covered a range of activities, such as improvements to recycling provision at communal properties, the refurbishment of mobile information units, business cases for new apps, and the commencement of plastic film recycling. Rugby Borough Council was introducing an alternate weekly collection pattern alongside its food waste rollout and upgrading its in-cab system. North Warwickshire Borough Council was also implementing changes to collection rounds and had secured funding for recycling service improvements. Warwick District Council reported on the installation of Recycling on the Go bins, efforts to reduce contamination rates, and the temporary pause of kerbside textile collections. Stratford-on-Avon District Council highlighted its achievement of the highest household recycling rate in England for 2024/25 and initiatives to reduce contamination and promote e-waste recycling. Warwickshire County Council provided updates on its Household Waste Recycling Centres, including the impact of a six-month trial period without booking requirements, and communication activities such as the Slim Your Bin programme and school visits.

Local Government Reorganisation

No matters were raised concerning local government reorganisation.

Agenda Item Suggestions for Next Meeting

A discussion took place regarding the Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy for Warwickshire. It was noted that the strategy was technically out of date, with a decision having been made to prioritise the implementation of government waste reforms over a formal review. However, the core principles of the strategy were considered still valid, with partner authorities continuing to operate their own action plans. Councillor Keith Kondakor suggested a more in-depth analysis of increased waste tonnages, including detailed statistics on their composition, which was agreed for the next meeting.

Dates of Future Meetings

The dates for future Warwickshire Waste Partnership meetings were confirmed as 2 September 2026, 16 December 2026, and 17 March 2027, all scheduled to commence at 2 pm.