The Warwickshire Waste Partnership meeting was scheduled to cover a range of waste management topics, including performance data, updates on national strategies, and local initiatives. A key focus was the discussion of food waste collection plans and the ongoing review of the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) booking system.

Guest Speaker: Clean Up Britain and Discussion on Fly-Tipping and Litter

The meeting was scheduled to include a presentation from Clean Up Britain, focusing on the issues of fly-tipping and litter. This discussion was intended to inform the Partnership about national efforts and strategies to combat these problems.

Waste Management Performance Data - Q1 2026/27

A report was scheduled to be presented detailing the provisional waste management performance data for the first quarter of 2026/27. This data, which is considered an estimate until approved by the Environment Agency and DEFRA, covers household waste, including recycling, composting, reuse, landfill, and energy from waste figures. The report indicated a slight increase in total household waste and a decrease in the recycling, composting, and reuse rate compared to the previous year. It also provided estimated performance for the full year 2026/27 across different districts within Warwickshire.

Food Waste Collection Update

Updates were scheduled on the rollout of separate food waste collections across various districts. North Warwickshire Borough Council was set to report on the full rollout of its service, following a successful trial, and the implementation of communal bins. Rugby Borough Council was also expected to provide an update on its food waste collection plans, including the delivery of caddies and crew training. Warwickshire County Council was to outline its support for these borough-level implementations, including the procurement of food waste containers and haulage arrangements. The collected food waste is planned to be processed at the Severn Trent Green Power anaerobic digestion facility in Coleshill.

Resources and Waste Strategy for England Update

An update was scheduled on the national Resources and Waste Strategy for England. This was to cover key developments such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) payments for 2026/27, requirements for simpler recycling from April 2026, and the expected implementation of household food waste collections during 2026. The potential impacts of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) on local authority income were also to be discussed. Further national policies, including a consultation on a waste minimisation strategy and the introduction of Digital Waste Tracking, were also on the agenda.

HWRC Booking Update and Survey Feedback

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) booking system. This included information on the trial of a no-booking system implemented from November 2025, which had encountered challenges such as site closures and long queues. The report was expected to detail the analysis of feedback from residents, staff, and other stakeholders, alongside operational data. The findings of a customer satisfaction survey were also to be reported, with the aim of developing options for the future operation of the HWRCs, potentially before the summer.

Waste Partners Update

Updates from various waste partners were scheduled, providing details on local waste activities. Warwick District Council was to report on the installation of 'Recycling on the Go' litter bins, a decrease in fly-tipping incidents, and the recruitment of a Recycling Development Officer. Stratford-on-Avon District Council was to provide information on missed collections, contamination rates, and discussions regarding the reinstatement of kerbside textile collections. They were also to report on grant funding for chewing gum removal and the feasibility of installing solar panels at their depot. North Warwickshire Borough Council was to update on the food waste collection rollout and a trial of small WEEE and battery collections. Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and Rugby Borough Council were also expected to provide verbal updates. Warwickshire County Council's update was to focus on HWRC performance, communication activities such as school visits and home composting workshops, and procurement updates.

Health and Safety

A report on health and safety was scheduled, with a specific mention of fires related to batteries in kerbside residual waste. The report was expected to highlight the importance of public communication regarding the dangers of batteries. A suggestion for a one-off amnesty for nitrous oxide canisters at HWRCs was also to be discussed.

Local Government Reorganisation

The meeting was scheduled to note that government decisions regarding future local government structures were expected over the summer.

The meeting was scheduled to be filmed for live broadcast and was to be held in Committee Room 2, Shire Hall. Attendees were reminded of the requirements for declaring pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests.