Purpose

Following the successful award and mobilisation of the new recyclables and waste collection service, Cabinet resolved to approve the introduction of the new food waste collections scheme in May 2025. This report recommends the optimal approach to implementing this scheme and sets out the rationale for this recommendation against other potential options.

Decision

That: a) Cabinet approves the commencement of a new food waste collection service from September 2027 as a countywide service implementation;

b) Cabinet authorises the revenue expenditure detailed in paragraphs 49 and 50 to mobilise the service,

c) Cabinet authorises the capital expenditure detailed in in paragraphs 43 and 50, to purchase and deliver the new food containers and caddy liners and to undertake the required depot improvements works;

d) Cabinet delegate all operational decisions to implement the above recommendations to the Chief Operating Officer - Economy and Environment.

Alternative options considered

1.     Phased roll-out moving from initial service delivery across urban areas to full-service delivery across the whole county, with four tranches covering 14 months - this is not recommended primarily due to this approach resulting in a higher cost.

2.     Countywide implementation of the food waste collection service, with collections commencing at an alternative time to the recommendation. Other dates within the financial year 2027/28 have been considered for first collections but the recommendation has been chosen due to the best combination of benefits and reduced draw backs across a number of metrics as highlighted in this report, and best possible fit with the legislative deadline.