The Warwickshire Waste Partnership is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 18 March 2026 to discuss a range of waste management topics. Key agenda items include a review of waste performance data, updates on national waste strategies, and plans for food waste collections. The partnership will also address the persistent issue of fly-tipping and receive updates from various waste partners across Warwickshire.

Waste Management Performance Data

The meeting will review provisional waste management performance data for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. This data, which is still subject to final approval by the Environment Agency and DEFRA, provides an overview of household waste, including recycling, composting, landfill, and energy from waste figures. The report indicates a slight increase in recycling and reuse tonnage, alongside a decrease in composting rates. Overall household waste has seen a marginal reduction. Performance data from Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) across Warwickshire, such as Burton Farm HWRC, will also be presented, showing recycling percentages for each site.

Update on Resources and Waste Strategy for England

A verbal report is scheduled to provide an update on the national Resources and Waste Strategy for England. This will likely cover key upcoming changes, including the Simpler Recycling requirements due to come into effect from 1 April 2026, and the expected introduction of food waste collections for households during 2026. The report may also touch upon the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers and the implications of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for waste management. The rising Landfill Tax, scheduled for April 2026, and the anticipated impact of Digital Waste Tracking from October 2026 are also expected to be discussed.

Food Waste Collection Plans Update

The partnership will receive an update on the progress of food waste collection plans across Warwickshire. Several districts, including North Warwickshire and Rugby, are working towards an April 2026 implementation date, subject to the availability of staffing and vehicles. Challenges such as securing revenue funding for staffing, procuring necessary vehicles and caddies, and recruiting drivers are ongoing. The importance of clear and consistent communication and education for residents to encourage participation in food waste collections is highlighted as critical for a successful rollout.

Fly-Tipping

A report will be presented on fly-tipping incidents in Warwickshire, including the latest national data and a summary of discussions from a recent focus meeting. The data indicates a national and local trend of increasing fly-tipping incidents, with Warwickshire recording approximately 9,000 incidents in the most recent year. The report will detail the responsibilities of district and borough councils for clearance and enforcement, and the County Council's role in waste disposal. The partnership will consider recommendations, including a request to National Highways to use variable message signs to highlight Warwickshire as a Fly-tipping Enforcement Area.

Waste Partners Update

Updates from various waste partners across Warwickshire are scheduled. North Warwickshire Borough Council will report on the implementation of revised collection rounds and a delay in their food waste collection service due to manufacturing issues. Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council will provide a verbal update. Rugby Borough Council will discuss depot improvements, ramped-up food waste communications, and a planned switch to one-week recycling and one-week refuse collections. Warwick District Council will provide an update on the rollout of communal food waste bins and the upcoming cleanse of the A46. Stratford-on-Avon District Council will report on reduced missed collections, falling contamination rates, and the trial of an AI-driven platform for detecting contamination. Warwickshire County Council will provide updates on Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), including a trial removing the booking system, and communication activities such as the 'Slim Your Bin' programme and school engagement.

Other Agenda Items

The meeting will also include a review of Waste Management Performance Data for Quarter 3 of the 2025/26 financial year. Other items on the agenda include Health and Safety, an update on Local Government Reorganisation, and suggestions for future meeting agenda items.