The Lincolnshire Waste Partnership met on 19 February 2026 to discuss progress on waste management initiatives across the county, with a particular focus on the rollout of food waste collections and upcoming regulatory changes. Decisions were made to note the progress of food waste collection implementation and to delegate authority for establishing a working model for plastic bag and wrapping collections.

Partner Updates on Waste Initiatives

Councils across Lincolnshire provided updates on their waste management programmes. South Holland District Council is commencing its rollout of new waste disposal plans, with new bins and vehicles ordered and engagement officers recruited. East Lindsey and Boston Borough Councils reported that their new waste disposal bins and vehicles are being rolled out as expected. West Lindsey District Council has delivered over 27,000 food waste caddies, with collections set to begin on 30 March, and noted that joint communications have helped reduce public confusion. South Kesteven District Council is prioritising food waste, with rollout anticipated to start on 13 April, and is considering changes to waste collection timetabling. North Kesteven District Council has delivered 80% of its food waste caddies, with vehicles due shortly and rollout commencing on 30 March, though depot expansion has been delayed by poor weather. The City of Lincoln Council has distributed all food waste caddies and is awaiting new vehicles, while continuing early experiments with AI to identify contaminated waste.

Performance Update and Recycling Rates

A report on performance was presented, detailing work on recycling, commercial re-procurement, the energy-from-waste plant, and challenges in the national waste sector. Members expressed frustration with a consultation on household recycling centres, feeling the questions did not allow for sufficient resident feedback on opening times. Officers explained this was due to a lack of funds to alter opening hours. Concerns were also raised about the transition of waste disposal in South Holland and poor accessibility at Spalding's household recycling centre. Boston Borough Council is trialling garden waste collections for 12 months. Officers clarified that only hazardous items, fly-tipped waste, or excess waste during energy-from-waste plant outages are sent to landfill. A significant drop in waste contamination rates was noted and praised, especially given a national increase. The partnership resolved to note the performance charts and commentary provided.

Food Waste Collection Rollout

The partnership received an update on the ongoing and planned rollouts of new waste collection and disposal regulations for food waste, alongside the supporting communications campaign. Discussions included proposals to focus communications on lifestyle changes to reduce food waste, potentially linking it to food banks. It was noted that informal online communications are often better received than official ones, and that negative feedback can be from a vocal minority. The possibility of engaging with lower authorities like Parish councils was also discussed. A second wave of radio and animated advertising by Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) is planned, with the animation praised for its creativity. Members criticised the government for a lack of funding support for new obligatory services. The partnership resolved to note the progress made and continue supporting the implementation of segregated food waste collection and disposal across Lincolnshire, in line with requirements from DEFRA¹.

Regulatory Updates and Future Legislation

An update was provided on legislative and regulatory changes, focusing on the introduction of a deposit return scheme (DRS) and the recycling of 'soft plastics'. Members expressed concern about the competency of DEFRA², reiterating complaints about a poor and indifferent attitude towards the financial difficulties imposed on local government by new waste regulations. DEFRA was described as obstructive and uncooperative. Soft plastic recycling was highlighted as a cost pressure without additional support, and the anticipated costs of emissions trading schemes were noted as likely to be excessive, despite infrequent updates. The partnership resolved to note the update and comments.

Lincolnshire Waste Partnership Forward Plan

The Lincolnshire Waste Partnership's Forward Plan was considered, and it was agreed that the results of the consultation on household waste recycling would be discussed at a future meeting. The Forward Plan, as presented, was noted.