The Lincolnshire Waste Partnership meeting was scheduled to discuss significant changes to waste services, including a major transformation project in South Holland District Council and the implications of Local Government Reorganisation for waste services across Lincolnshire. The meeting also included updates from partner councils and a review of the Partnership's forward plan.

South Holland District Council Waste Transformation Update

A detailed update was scheduled regarding the waste transformation project in South Holland District Council. This initiative involves the implementation of a 'twin stream' collection model, with food waste collected separately in caddies. The project encompasses the development of new waste policies, the supply and distribution of 190,000 bins and caddies, and the optimisation of collection routes and days. A new separate food waste collection service and a new fleet of refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) are also part of the plan. The transformation includes changes to staff working arrangements, intensive resident engagement and education, and ongoing communication efforts. The rollout was planned to be completed and settled by Spring 2027. The report pack highlighted the extensive engagement and support activities undertaken, involving local engagement officers, council staff, ward members, parish and town councils, and community groups. A communications plan was outlined, detailing activities from preparation through to reinforcement and ongoing support. The update also provided guidance on simple ways to reduce waste, information on Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), and details about the changes to the waste and recycling service in South Holland, including new bins for homes and information on assisted collections. The benefits of recycling and tips for recycling correctly were also presented.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) - Implications for Waste Services in Lincolnshire

The meeting was scheduled to consider the implications of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) for waste services in Lincolnshire. The government's programme aims to replace the current two-tier system of county and district councils with new unitary authorities. Proposals for reorganisation in Lincolnshire were submitted in November 2025, with a statutory consultation taking place earlier in 2026. Several structural options, involving two, three, or four unitary authorities, remained under consideration, with a government decision anticipated later in 2026. The report highlighted that under all potential LGR outcomes, the distinction between waste collection and disposal responsibilities would be removed, with each new authority assuming responsibility for the full range of waste services within its area. This change is not expected to result in immediate changes to service delivery for residents in the short term, with the overriding priority being the continued delivery of safe, reliable, and legally compliant services. The report noted that this period of change coincides with significant transformation within waste services, including the introduction of weekly food waste collections, which must continue alongside any reorganisation. The rural nature and dispersed population of Lincolnshire were identified as ongoing challenges for efficient service delivery. The report also touched upon financial and infrastructure considerations, the importance of workforce stability, and the continuing role of the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership as a forum for collaboration.

Lincolnshire Waste Partnership Forward Plan

The meeting was scheduled to review the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership's Forward Plan for 2026-27. The plan outlined scheduled meetings and key agenda items for the upcoming year. Future meetings were planned for 8 October 2026, 7 January 2027, and 15 April 2027. Agenda items for these future meetings included Partner Updates, Performance Updates, Regulatory Updates, and a review of the Forward Plan itself. It was also proposed and agreed that further discussions on household waste recycling centres and Simpler Recycle Changes would be added to the agenda.

Partner Updates

An agenda item was allocated for verbal reports from the various partners within the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership. These updates would provide information on the waste services and initiatives being undertaken by each constituent council. The minutes from a previous meeting on 23 April 2026 indicated that these updates had previously covered a range of topics, including food waste disposal rollouts, procurement for recycling contracts, demand at waste facilities, and issues related to residents from neighbouring authorities using county council disposal sites.

Household Waste Recycling Centres Engagement and Operations

This item was scheduled to be discussed, with details to follow. This suggests a focus on how residents engage with and operate within the county's Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs).

Regulatory Update

A regulatory update was scheduled, with details to follow. This would likely cover any changes in legislation or regulations pertaining to waste management and recycling services.

Food Waste Update

An update on the food waste disposal programme was scheduled, with details to follow. This would likely provide information on the progress and any developments related to food waste collection and processing.

Performance Update

A verbal report was scheduled to provide an update on the performance of waste services across the partnership. This would likely include key metrics and data related to waste collection, recycling rates, and overall service efficiency.