The Lincolnshire Waste Partnership met on Thursday 19 February 2026 to discuss progress on waste collection and disposal across the county, with a particular focus on the rollout of food waste collections and upcoming regulatory changes. Key decisions included noting the progress of food waste implementation and agreeing to delegate authority for establishing a working model for plastic bag and wrapping collections.

Partner Updates

Councils across Lincolnshire provided updates on their waste management initiatives. South Holland District Council reported that new bins and waste disposal vehicles had been ordered, with new engagement officers recruited and waste disposal route reviews underway. East Lindsey and Boston Borough Councils confirmed their new waste disposal bins and vehicles were rolling out as expected. West Lindsey District Council had delivered over 27,000 food waste caddies, with collections set to begin on 30 March, and noted that joint communications had helped reduce public confusion. South Kesteven District Council identified food waste as a priority, with rollout anticipated to begin on 13 April, and staff recruited and caddies distributed, while also considering amendments to waste collection timetabling. North Kesteven District Council reported 80% of food waste caddies delivered, with sufficient stock remaining, and vehicles procured, though depot expansion had been delayed by weather. The City of Lincoln Council had distributed all food waste caddies and recruited new waste staff, with new vehicles expected imminently, and continued to experiment with AI to identify contaminated waste.

Performance Update

A report from the Head of Waste at Lincolnshire County Council detailed progress on recycling, commercial re-procurement, the performance of the energy-from-waste plant, and challenges in the national waste sector. A supplementary report from the Waste Partnerships and Projects Manager provided information on green waste, recycling rates, and waste contamination. Members expressed frustration with a consultation on household recycling centres, feeling the questions did not allow for sufficient resident feedback on opening times, which officers explained was due to a lack of funds to alter them. Concerns were also raised about the transition of waste disposal in South Holland and poor accessibility at Spalding's household recycling centre. Boston Borough Council was noted to be starting a 12-month trial with garden waste. Officers clarified that only hazardous items, fly-tipped waste, or excess waste from energy-from-waste outages would be sent to landfill, and praised the communications regarding residual waste and landfill awareness. The significant drop in waste contamination rates was highlighted as a positive achievement, especially compared to the national average.

Food Waste Update

Consideration was given to a report updating the Partnership on the ongoing and planned rollouts of new waste collection and disposal regulations for food waste, alongside the supporting communications campaign. Proposals were made to focus communications on lifestyle changes to reduce food waste, potentially linking it to food banks and non-edible waste. It was noted that official communications were often less well-received than informal online content, and that negative feedback often came from a vocal minority. The possibility of engaging with lower authorities such as Parish councils to improve communication reception was discussed. Radio and animated advertising produced by Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) would continue, with the latter praised for its creativity. Members criticised the government for a lack of funding support despite new services becoming obligatory, describing government responses as patronising. The Partnership resolved to note the progress to date and continue supporting the implementation of segregated food waste collection and disposal across Lincolnshire, in accordance with requirements from DEFRA¹.

Regulatory Updates

An update was provided on legislative and regulatory changes, focusing on the introduction of a deposit return scheme and the recycling of 'soft plastics'. The Partnership was given the opportunity to ask questions, but none were posed. Members expressed concern regarding the competency of DEFRA and reiterated previous complaints about its perceived poor and indifferent attitude towards the financial difficulties imposed on local government by new waste regulations. DEFRA was generally viewed as obstructive and uncooperative. The recycling of soft plastics was highlighted as a cost pressure without additional support, and officers noted that costing for anticipated emissions trading schemes were likely to be excessive, despite infrequent and lacking updates. The Partnership resolved to note the update and comments.

Lincolnshire Waste Partnership Forward Plan

The Lincolnshire Waste Partnership's Forward Plan was considered, and it was agreed that the results of the consultation on household waste recycling would be discussed at a future meeting. The Partnership resolved to note the Forward Plan as presented.