The Greater Manchester Waste & Recycling Committee met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss contract performance, budget updates, and progress on sustainability initiatives. Key decisions included endorsing a timetable for introducing 'soft' checks at Household Waste Recycling Centres and approving shortlisted projects for the Community Fund.

Contract Update

The Committee noted and commented on the performance of the Waste and Resource Management contracts. In Contract Year 7 (2025/26), total waste arisings were just over 1 million tonnes, a slight decrease from the previous year. The combined recycling rate for this period was approximately 46%, a decrease of about 1.2% from the previous year, partly attributed to lower biowaste tonnages due to a dry start to the summer. The diversion rate from landfill remained high at over 99%. At the 20 Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), the combined recycling rate was over 61%, also a slight decrease. Visitor numbers to HWRCs increased by approximately 5% compared to the previous year, though the tonnage per visitor decreased. Health and safety statistics were also reviewed, with four incidents reportable under RIDDOR in Contract Year 7.

GM Waste and Resources Budget Update and 2025/26 Outturn Position and Budget and Levy Setting Process for 2027/28

The Committee noted the final revenue and capital outturn positions for the Waste & Resources service for the 2025/26 financial year. The revenue outturn showed a favourable variance of £20.7 million against the budget, primarily due to lower operational costs and the receipt of the Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility Grant. The capital programme outturn was £19.5 million against a budget of £29.2 million, with significant variances attributed to delays in projects such as the Reliance Street HWRC redevelopment and the Salford Road Materials Recycling Facility (MRF). The report also detailed movements in earmarked reserves, including the creation of an Emissions Trading Scheme Reserve.

Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Plan Update

The Committee noted the priorities and delivery approach for the 2026/27 SCP Work Programme, which aims to reduce waste, improve resource use, and support sustainable lifestyles. Progress was noted across key programmes, including Eco Refill Shops, Eco Grants for Schools, Bee Loved Fashion, and the Climate Awareness Framework. The Eco Refill Shops programme has engaged 45 schools, with pupils leading refill initiatives that have diverted over 3,300 containers from waste. The Eco Grants for Schools programme has funded 72 schools to develop practical environmental projects. The new Bee Loved Fashion programme, launching in October 2026, will focus on textile skills for secondary schools. The Climate Awareness Framework aims to increase understanding of climate and sustainability issues through various learning levels.

Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) Access Restrictions Update

The Committee endorsed the timetable for the introduction of 'soft' checks at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) and the subsequent monitoring of their application, subject to a further report in January 2027. These measures are being introduced to combat cross-border usage of GMCA's HWRCs, following the closure of facilities in neighbouring areas. A communication campaign will precede the verbal enquiries and spot checks, with the aim of introducing these measures in the New Year. The Committee also noted ongoing research into more technologically advanced systems for residency checks.

Community Fund 2026/27 Update

The Committee noted the content of the report and a separate Part B report detailing the community groups shortlisted for funding from the Renew Community Fund. This fund, managed by SUEZ, provides £200,000 annually to community groups across Greater Manchester for projects focused on waste reduction, repair, and skill-sharing. A total of 149 applications were received, requesting over £1.7 million in funding. The panel ensured a geographic spread across all boroughs and a diverse range of projects were supported.

Emissions Trading and Deposit Return Scheme Update

The Committee noted the potential impact of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) on the budget and Waste Levy for future years and endorsed further actions for mitigation. The DRS, planned for October 2027, is expected to impact recyclate income, potentially costing between £1 million and £1.5 million in the first year. The inclusion of Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities in the ETS, though delayed, presents a significant future financial pressure, with potential annual costs ranging from £7.88 million to £16.2 million based on historical carbon allowance prices. The report recommended continued lobbying for clarity on scheme timings and additional Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) schemes, and the establishment of a Carbon Allowance group to manage allowance buying.

Capital Programme and Assets Management Update

The Committee noted updates on key capital projects, including the redevelopment of the Reliance Street HWRC. This project has encountered unforeseen ground conditions and a northern slope stability issue, leading to delays and an increased forecast project cost of £5.65 million, which will be referred to the GMCA for approval. The Committee also received an update on the proposed new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at Salford Road, Over Hulton, which has experienced planning delays due to noise concerns from a nearby residential development. A revised planning application is targeted for September, with a decision anticipated in October, and the procurement process is paused.

Biowaste and Garden Waste Charging Update

The Committee noted the analysis of the effect of the introduction of charged garden waste collection services by Stockport MBC and Trafford MBC on waste flows. The analysis indicated a reduction in kerbside biowaste tonnage in both districts, greater than the reduction seen in districts without charging. There was also a marginal increase in kerbside residual waste in Stockport and Trafford, though it could not be definitively concluded this was solely due to garden waste disposal. The report also showed an increase in garden waste tonnage at HWRCs in Trafford and Stockport, with the latter showing a significant increase that may also be influenced by cross-boundary HWRC use. The financial implications of these changes are managed through the Levy Allocation Methodology Agreement (LAMA), with costs passed back to the relevant districts.