The West London Waste Authority met on Tuesday 18 March 2025 to discuss food recycling projects, waste composition analysis, procurement plans, financial updates, and the 2025-26 business plan. Key decisions included approving a £4 million investment for 100% food recycling coverage by March 2026 and approving the Authority's three-year rolling Procurement Plan.

Food Recycling Projects Update

The Authority received a closure report on its 2020 investment of £3 million in borough business cases aimed at increasing food waste collection and diversion. The projects were deemed successful, achieving an £11.8 million return on investment over five years through reduced food waste in residual bins. However, challenges remain in expanding services to meet future requirements, particularly for communal properties, which constitute 20% of properties but produce 40% of the waste. To achieve 100% food recycling service coverage by March 2026, boroughs will need to collectively invest approximately £4 million in capital and revenue expenditure. The Authority approved a request for all boroughs to provide funding business cases for food waste expansion. Remaining funding will continue to support existing food projects.

Autumn 2024 Waste Composition Analysis

A report detailing the 2024 Waste Composition Analysis, conducted by Integrated Skills Ltd (ISL), was presented. The analysis revealed that food waste remains the most significant component of residual waste, accounting for approximately 38% in kerbside collections and 29% in communal properties. The report highlighted the need for a focused investment of around £13 million in communal services to provide adequate facilities for e-waste, textiles, flexible plastics, and absorbent hygiene products. Further reports will be presented following the refinement of business cases for these investments. The analysis also indicated that the findings could inform future Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) payments, suggesting West London may require higher payments than initially indicated by Defra.

Annual Procurement Plan

Members approved the Authority's three-year rolling Procurement Plan for 2025-2028. Additionally, an eight-month extension to the Dry Recyclables contract was approved, bringing the total extension to 12 months. This extension is necessary to allow the London Borough of Ealing¹ additional time to complete modelling work related to the Government's Simpler Recycling scheme. This extended period will also provide an opportunity for other boroughs to engage in the new procurement process.

Finance Update

The Authority received an update on its financial position up to January 2025, forecasting a surplus of £3.2 million for the year-end. Key performance indicators (KPIs) showed four areas in red: diversion from landfill, overall tonnages, staff turnover, and vacancy rates. The Authority approved the carrying forward of unspent HRRC (Household Recycling and Reuse Centre)² funding and unspent programme budget from PPP (Public-Private Partnership)³ income into the 2025-26 financial year. The Treasury Management Plan for 2025-26 was also approved, maintaining a low-risk approach. An update on property insurance for West Drayton and Abbey Road was noted, with the current provider expressing interest in renewal.

WLWA 2025-26 Business Plan

The Authority's Business Plan for 2025-26, outlining strategic priorities, was approved. The plan aims to create necessary changes to avoid increasing costs associated with waste growth and the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)⁴. Meetings with Borough Finance and Environment Directors are scheduled for May 2025 to initiate a route map to a low waste future. The plan emphasizes reducing waste, increasing recycling, and improving citizen perception of waste and environmental issues.