Purpose

To present a range of
recycling collection options for consideration in response to the
forthcoming Simpler Recycling legislation and within the broader
framework of circular economy policies.
 
The cabinet report will seek a
decision on the preferred option for implementation and outlines
how this decision is required at this stage as part of the
procurement timeline for the Integrated Resources and Waste
Management Contract (IRWMC).
 
Consultation and Engagement
 
Since the finalisation of the
legislative changes in November 2024, engagement has been carried
out with:
- Environment and Climate Change Scrutiny Committee (March and
August 2025)
- Trade
unions (June 2025)
 
This engagement outlined the
legislative changes and their anticipated impact on residents
across Kirklees, and the options set out within this
report.
 
The Council has engaged
directly with DEFRA to explore all available compliance
pathways.
 
Following a Cabinet decision,
further engagement will be undertaken with staff, internal council
services, elected members including scrutiny, trade unions, and
residents to support the implementation process.
 
The service plans to engage
with residents in 2026 to ensure a smooth compliance with the
legislation is met. As this report focused on changes required to
meet legislation no consultation has been carried out at this
stage.
 
Previous consultation was
undertaken as part of the Waste Strategy in 2021 to understand
views and attitudes in relation to the expansion of materials
included within our recycling. This feedback has been used in the
development of a recommended option.
 
Background
papers
 
Simpler Recycling
legislation:
Simpler Recycling in England: policy update -
GOV.UK
 
Kirklees Council
Waste Strategy cabinet report:
Decision - Resources and Waste Strategy 2021-2030
(Reference from Cabinet) | Kirklees Council
 

Content

RESOLVED –
 

1)   
That approval be given to planning for the implementation of a
simpler recycling collection model, in line with legislative
requirements.

2)   
That it be agreed that a new model will be implemented for
recycling collections, which will commence in 2028, subject to the
submission of a report to Cabinet to seek approval to commence a
new contract.

3)   
That approval be given to the development of options for a future
collection model that complies with simpler recycling legislation
at the relevant time during the procurement process for the new
integrated resource and waste management services contract.