Decision Maker: Mid Suffolk Cabinet, Babergh Cabinet, Babergh Council, Mid Suffolk Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 9, 2024

Purpose: To approve Options for Recycling & Refuse Service – Simpler Recycling

Content: It was RESOLVED: -   1.1         To approve Option C – introduction of new twin stream kerbside recycling collection service and change to three-weekly refuse collections, in conjunction with weekly food waste collections.   1.2         Thay delegated Authority be given to The Director of Operations and Climate Change, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for People and Place, and Finance, to implement all of the required service changes for Option C, acting individually and/or collectively as required with partner Suffolk Councils in delivering the contractual variations and procurements for planned delivery by April 2026.   1.3         To monitor and then report to Cabinet the difference in cost to budget once the government funding arrangements, tender results, contractual variations and the resulting revisions to the Suffolk Waste Partnership Inter-Authority Agreement have been established, and work to include this in the councils 2025-26 budgets.   1.4         Cabinet recommends to Council that they endorse the recommendations above.   REASON FOR DECISION   To ensure that the council can meet its statutory requirements in compliance with The Environment Act (2021) by the 31 March 2026 deadline, in connection to the Simpler Recycling changes.   To maximise the opportunities to deliver the best outcomes from the service changes. To improve recycling performance, minimise the impact on the environment through reduced emissions and to provide best value to our residents by having cost-effective recycling and refuse collections.   To maximise the quality of the materials collected and ensure the Suffolk taxpayer receives the best value for money.   To align our preferred recycling service delivery option with other Suffolk councils to create consistent, simple communication messages and campaigns.   To give Suffolk County Council the confidence to proceed with negotiations and contractual changes to strategic waste contracts and infrastructure to ensure continuity of delivery and seek best value for our residents.   Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:   Option A – continue with the existing kerbside recycling and waste collection arrangements, with the addition of collecting of glass, cartons, and plastic films into the existing co-mingled recycling bins. Delivered in conjunction with separate weekly food waste collections.   Option B – introduce a twin stream** kerbside recycling collection service whilst retaining two-weekly refuse collections. Delivered in conjunction with separate weekly food waste collections.   Option C – introduce a twin stream** kerbside recycling collection service and change to three-weekly refuse collections. In conjunction with separate weekly food waste collections.   ** two containers (either wheeled bins or for exempted properties a reusable box and bag, or communal bins): one for paper and card, the other for plastics, metal, cartons inc. Tetra Pak and glass bottles and jars   Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None   Any Dispensation Granted: None