The Environment Select Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Wednesday 3 June 2026 to discuss a range of environmental and operational matters. Key discussions included the compliance with Simpler Recycling Regulations, the findings of an electric refuse collection vehicle trial, and an update on economic development and regeneration activities. The committee also received reports on the Planning Improvement Programme and updates from various task groups.

Compliance with Simpler Recycling Requirements: TEEP Assessment

The committee received a report on the Written TEEP Assessment¹ conducted to comply with the Simpler Recycling Regulations. The assessment concluded that separating paper and card from other recyclable materials is not technically, environmentally, or economically practicable for Wiltshire Council at this time. This is due to significant economic barriers, including the lack of additional government funding, substantial increases in operating and capital costs (estimated at £2 million per annum and £2.96 million respectively), and higher service costs for properties with limited storage. Operational constraints such as limited depot and infrastructure capacity, planning and licensing restrictions, and geographical routing considerations in a predominantly rural county were also cited. Consequently, Wiltshire Council will continue to operate its co-mingled dry recycling service, excluding glass. The report also noted that retaining the current service avoids new negative impacts on disabled people or those with care needs, and maintains current public health outcomes.

Electric Refuse Collection Vehicle Trial

The committee reviewed the findings of an eleven-month trial of a 26-tonne electric refuse collection vehicle (eRCV). The trial indicated that eRCVs perform best in urban and suburban environments on short, return-to-base routes, offering reduced noise pollution and improved local air quality. However, current depots and commercial electric infrastructure are insufficient to support large-scale deployment. While eRCVs have a significantly higher upfront cost than diesel models, their operating, maintenance, and fuel costs are considerably lower. The trial highlighted that the vehicle's usable battery capacity was insufficient for longer, rural routes, leading to instances of battery depletion and requiring recovery. The findings will inform the development of a Waste Fleet Strategy for 2028-2038, which will consider the phased introduction of eRCVs and other alternative fuels. The trial vehicle is proposed to be redeployed for business-as-usual operations in Salisbury, aligning with the city's electric bus project, and will be used by the incoming LATCo waste collection partner.

Economic Development and Regeneration Activity Update

An update was provided on Wiltshire Council's economic development and regeneration activities, aligning with the priorities of the Our Wiltshire Plan ². The report detailed the outcomes of programmes that have concluded, including the Future High Streets Fund, which secured £25 million for Trowbridge and Salisbury, delivering projects such as the renovation of Trowbridge Town Hall and enhancements to Salisbury's Station Forecourt. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural Prosperity Fund invested over £5.7 million, supporting businesses, rural hubs, and initiatives tackling fuel poverty and energy efficiency. Ongoing activities were presented under three themes: Creating Great Places, Inclusive Growth, and Investment, Innovation and Growth. This included updates on housing enabling targets, town centre projects, the Local Visitor Economic Partnership, and the Wiltshire Towns Programme, which aims to support local economies through various grants and initiatives. The report also covered the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub, the Enterprise Network, Project Gigabit for digital connectivity, and the Western Regional Defence and Security Cluster.

Planning Improvement Programme Update

The committee received an update on the Planning Improvement Programme, which was established following a Planning Advisory Service (PAS) peer review in May 2023. The programme aimed to create a more unified and resilient planning service by addressing recommendations across service structures, governance, management, and processes. Key achievements include a service-wide restructure, the recruitment of 55 new officers, and enhanced training for staff and councillors. Improvements have also been made to customer service, with a new newsletter and customer forums launched, and a focus on place-shaping through a new Design Panel. Of the 18 recommendations from the peer review, 14 have been implemented, with three in progress and one paused. The programme will transition into Phase 2, focusing on ongoing high-profile areas of planning.

Updates from Task Groups and Representatives on Programme Boards

Updates were provided from several task groups:

• Waste Transformation Task Group: The task group has been scrutinising the Waste Transformation Programme, focusing on service changes including the introduction of food waste and flexible plastics collections, and a move to three-weekly residual waste collections. They also reviewed the Household Recycling Centre (HRC) booking system pilot and the Landfill Diversion / Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) contract strategy.
• Climate Emergency Task Group: This standing task group has not met since the last committee meeting. Its forward work plan includes items such as the National Local Power Plan and Climate Delivery Plans.
• Highway Repair Task Group: This newly formed task group held its initial scoping meeting to discuss its terms of reference, which include reviewing pothole repair processes, prioritisation, and the use of emerging technologies. An interim report is expected in September.

The committee also noted the forward work plans for the Waste Transformation Task Group and the Climate Emergency Task Group.