The Policy Development Panel of South Holland Council is scheduled to meet on Monday, 9 February 2026, to consider proposed revisions to the council's waste policies. The meeting will focus on incorporating feedback received from the panel's previous review of these policies.

Revised Waste Policies

The primary item on the agenda is the proposal of revised waste policies, which will incorporate feedback previously provided by the Policy Development Panel. This report, authored by Victoria Burgess, Assistant Director - Neighbourhoods, and reported by Jason King, Director of Communities, aims to present updated policies for consideration ahead of a Cabinet decision. The revisions are intended to ensure legal compliance, promote an efficient and effective waste management service, and provide clear guidance to residents.

The report details the council's statutory responsibilities regarding waste collection, including duties under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011. It also outlines the requirements of the Environment Act 2021 and the Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2024, which mandate separate collections for residual waste, food waste, paper and card, and dry recyclables.

Key policy areas scheduled for discussion include:

• Waste Collection Provision: The default provision involves three wheeled bins for residual waste, mixed dry recycling, and paper and card, along with kitchen and kerbside caddies for food waste. The report notes that households will be provided with 52 kitchen caddy liners annually.
• Bank Holiday Collections: Collections are planned to proceed on bank holidays, with exceptions for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. Residents will receive a calendar detailing any changes.
• Exempt Properties: The policy addresses properties that may be exempt from standard bin collections due to access issues or space limitations. Principles for assessing these exemptions will be shared with councillors, and a review process will be established.
• Side Waste: Waste placed outside of bins will not be collected. This policy aims to encourage waste reduction and ensure the quality of recycling. Exempt properties will receive a specific allocation of residual and recycling bags.
• Charging for Bins and Services: The report details various services for which charges will apply, including replacement bins (unless damaged by the service or defective), additional bins, garden waste collection, and bulky waste removal. The Policy Development Panel has provided feedback on these charges, suggesting the removal of charges for new homes and considering commercial rates for village halls and community centres.
• Segregation of Waste: The council's policy mandates waste segregation as per Simpler Recycling rules. A comprehensive pictorial guide will be provided to residents to clarify which materials belong in each bin.
• Enforcement of Regulations: The approach to enforcement prioritises education and engagement. Residents will be informed of incorrect waste disposal via tags and stickers. The report acknowledges the panel's feedback regarding the collection of contaminated recycling, with revised operational procedures to include efforts to remove visible contamination where practicable.
• Unadopted Roads: The policy states that bins will generally not be collected from unadopted roads, with bins needing to be presented at the nearest adopted road. Exceptions may be made for new housing developments.
• Bin Colours and Waste Types: The report specifies the colours of bin lids for different waste streams: black for general waste, blue for mixed dry recycling, purple for paper and card, and orange for food waste. A brown bin is available for garden waste as a paid service.
• Frequency of Collection: A table outlining the four-weekly collection schedule for different waste types is included.
• Bin Presentation: Bins should be presented by 5:30 am on collection day, and the council will not return for bins missed due to late presentation.
• Missed Collections: Procedures for reporting and re-collecting missed bins are outlined, with re-collections to be attempted within five working days where authorised.
• Assisted Collections: These will be available for residents with health, disability, or infirmity issues who lack household assistance.
• Additional Capacity Needs: Households may request additional capacity under specific circumstances, such as a large number of residents or children in nappies, subject to a waste audit.
• Commercial Waste: Charges will be levied for the collection and disposal of commercial waste, in line with the Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012.
• Bulky Waste Collection: A chargeable service for the collection of bulky items will be provided.

The report also references relevant legislation, including the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, the Environment Act 2021, and the Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 2024. It highlights the council's commitment to implementing the Environment Act 2021 and Extended Producer Responsibility schemes.

The meeting documents can be accessed via the following links: Public reports pack, Agenda frontsheet, Waste Policies, SHDC Waste Policy Appendix A, and Appendix B for Waste Policies.