Purpose

This report sets out the proposal for Waste Services to:

· Reopen Sugden End Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) during 2026/27.

· Reopen all HWRCs on Bank Holidays (except Christmas day, boxing Day and New Years Day)

· Operate 2 HWRCs for 7 days per week

· Limit residents to 52 HWRC visits per year

1.2. The proposal is required due to demographic growth, local demand and increasing pressure on alternate HWRCs since the 2024 closure of three HWRCs across the district.

1.3. Expected outputs arising from this proposal would also allow higher levels of compliance with the Government’s Simpler Recycling reforms, Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) and the implications for the Council’s waste and recycling services.

Decision

Resolved –

(1)           That the reopening of Sugden End Household Waste Recycling Centre pre-Christmas 2026 be approved.

(2)           That all Household Waste Recycling Centres be open on Bank Holidays (other than Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day) on the same hours the sites are open on Sunday.

(3)           That these proposals be funded from not proceeding with the £0.400m Events funding approved by Council in March 2026, subject to confirmation from the Section 151 Officer that this does not require referral to Full Council. That the £0.177m surplus from 2026/27 is applied to mitigate the Council wide budget position and the £0.052m for 2027/28 is applied to the budget savings.

(4)           That the Chief Executive be given delegated powers to amend the HWRC Policy as required to reflect decisions made on recommendations above.

To be actioned by: Assistant Director, Clean and Green

Overview and Scrutiny Area: Regeneration and Environment

(James Hornett – 07483 587159)