Purpose

The Council's original Zero Waste Strategy was adopted in July 2005 and although it has been revised and updated at intervals since, requires a full update.

The Towards Zero Waste 2030 strategy reflects the latest information available and provides an assessment of the key drivers for the period to 2030.

Adoption of the new strategy will focus on working with residents to maximise reducing waste, reuse and recycling, making our neighbourhoods cleaner and greener, and delivering objectives of the climate and nature emergency.

Decision

To adopt the new Waste Strategy – Towards Zero Waste 2030.

Reasons for the decision

The previous Waste Strategy covered the period from 2005 to 2020, a new waste strategy is required, reflecting that the UK is striving to achieve higher levels of recycling and a more circular economy and taking into consider new legislation and changing economics.

Since the previous Strategy was produced the Council has announced its Climate Emergency declaration, and Towards Zero Waste - 2030 recognises the escalated priority of the climate and nature emergency.

Future actions are structured around the waste hierarchy, which informs the thinking about how to prioritise our efforts when tackling waste, alongside this there are activities that focus on improving place.

The themes in the future actions section provide the strategic framework up to 2030, these will be taken forward by the development of more detailed annual service plans that reflect local needs and the financial situation at the time.

Alternative options considered

None.