The South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 17 June 2026 to discuss a range of important topics concerning waste management and treatment across the partner boroughs. Key areas for discussion include the performance of various waste contracts, an update on communications and engagement efforts, and a review of the partnership's carbon management plan. The committee will also consider the budget outturn for the 2025/26 financial year and the work programme for 2025 to 2030, including an update on social value initiatives.

Contracts Performance Report

The committee will receive an update on the performance of the South London Waste Partnership's (SLWP) various waste management contracts. This includes the residual waste treatment contract with Viridor, which manages waste at the Beddington Energy Recovery Facility (ERF). The report is expected to detail volumes of residual waste managed, facility availability, and landfill diversion rates. It will also cover the performance of Household Reuse and Recycling Centres (HRRCs), including recycling rates and site user experience, as well as services for food and green waste treatment, and the management of dry recyclables. The report will also address the recycling of mechanical street sweeping wastes. Specific attention is scheduled to be given to the residual waste treatment contract, including details on emissions, any exceedances, and the ongoing environmental permit variation process for the Beddington ERF. The performance of HRRCs will be reviewed, with data on recycling rates and tonnage changes by material type. The report will also cover waste transfer station operations and the performance of food and green waste treatment services, noting any compliance issues. The management of dry recyclables and the recycling of mechanical street sweeping wastes will also be detailed.

Communications and Engagement Update

An update is scheduled on the communications and stakeholder engagement activities undertaken by the SLWP. This report will cover efforts to secure external funding for sub-regional waste awareness campaigns, aiming to encourage residents to reduce waste and increase recycling. It will also detail initiatives to improve trust in local recycling systems, including the publication of the Waste Watch report, facility tours, and social value projects. The report will provide an update on carbon emissions awareness campaigns, efforts to maintain resident support for energy recovery as an alternative to landfill, and initiatives to maintain high resident satisfaction levels at Household Reuse and Recycling Centres (HRRCs). The development of the SLWP website and digital communication channels to tell the story of the waste challenge will also be discussed. Specific updates are expected on the Beddington Energy Recovery Facility (ERF), including its environmental performance and community engagement activities, as well as efforts to promote the DIY Reuse Scheme at HRRCs and improve website content.

Carbon Management Plan - Residual Waste Treatment Contract

The committee is scheduled to review the Carbon Management Plan and Annual Reports prepared by Viridor concerning the SLWP's residual waste treatment contract. This report details the progress made in reducing carbon emissions associated with residual waste treatment, showing an average reduction of over one-third since 2017. The plan outlines how carbon emissions are monitored and managed over the life of the contract, covering the operation of the Beddington ERF and any contingency sites. The report will present data on carbon emissions for each of the four partner boroughs, highlighting the significant drops in residual waste treatment-related carbon emissions against the 2017 baseline. The role of the Carbon Steering Group, which meets to review and agree these reports and identify opportunities for further carbon reduction, will also be discussed.

South London Waste Partnership Budget Outturn 2025/26

This report will summarise the outturn position of the Partnership's budget for the 2025/26 financial year. It will detail any variances against the approved budget, including core partnership activity, advisor and corporate support costs, and document management systems. The report will also address additional costs incurred outside of the agreed budget, such as legal support costs related to contract finalisation.

SLWP Work Programme 2025 to 2030 with Social Value Update

The committee will receive an update on the SLWP Work Programme for 2025 to 2030. This will include further details on the SLWP's social value activities planned for this period. The report highlights a move towards a consistent approach to social value across all future contracts, with 10% of evaluation criteria allocated to ensure measurable community benefits. It will detail the establishment of a ring-fenced social value fund managed by contractors, with SLWP oversight, to ensure effective investment aligned with local priorities. The report will also summarise work delivered to date and the transition to this new approach, outlining the benefits for local communities across the SLWP region. Case studies of social value delivered through existing contracts with contractors such as Viridor, SUEZ, and Veolia are expected to be presented.