Purpose

There are proposed changes to
the frequency and/or methodology of recycling collections for
around 27,000 properties in Thanet.

Decision

Cabinet agreed the following:
 
1. 
That residential
properties currently receiving weekly refuse collections will be
changed to alternate week refuse and recycling collections by 31
March 2026, which is consistent with existing collections from the
majority of residential properties in Thanet;
 
2. 
That a weekly food
waste collection be introduced for all residential properties who
do not receive this. This will ensure compliance with the specific
requirement to offer food waste collections to all properties by 31
March 2026;
 
3. 
That as part of the
proposed improvements, fully mixed (including paper and card)
recycling service in bespoke clear bags, will be offered to
residents that have limited or no space for Blue or Red lidded
recycling bins;
 
4. 
That recycling be
consolidated into a Fully Mixed Recycling stream in either clear
bags or a wheeled bin for communal properties where it is not
practical to offer recycling in separate streams (i.e. paper/card
and cans/glass/plastic);
 
5. 
That the 240L Bin
Scheme in the 2025/26 Capital Programme be renamed ‘Simpler
Recycling’, with the original scheme being revisited as part
of the 26/27 Capital Programme;
 
6. 
That Cabinet recommend
to Council the approval of a new revenue budget of £241,000
to deliver the Simpler Recycling Scheme, which will be funded via
the existing Inter Authority Agreement payment from Kent County
Council.

Reasons for the decision

Changes will mean all residents have access to
a full recycling service which will improve our recycling rate and
ensure we comply with legislation.

Alternative options considered

To not make or only partly make these changes.
Both options were rejected as the changes have too many
environmental and financial benefits.