Purpose

As part of the national requirements for the new ‘Simpler Recycling’ regime, the Cabinet will be asked to recommend to Council, to make an in-principle decision on the type of compliant waste services to be provided to residents from 1 April 2026. The timing of this decision will coincide with others across the county.

Decision

Recommended to Council: (15 October 2024)

1. That Option B be approved – the introduction of a twin stream recycling collection service to ensure that the Council can:

a.       effectively implement Simpler Recycling.

b.       meet its statutory requirements in compliance with The Environment Act 2021 by the 31 March 2026 deadline.

c.       maximise the recycling and the quality of the materials collected to ensure the Suffolk taxpayer receives the best value for money.

d.       work consistently and cost effectively with other Suffolk Councils.

e.       create a service that maximises performance and supports resident engagement.

1. Delegated authority be given to the Director (Operations, Leisure and Culture), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Operations, to agree and authorise the procurement strategy for twin stream recycling, individually and/or collectively as required with partner Suffolk Councils, to deliver the necessary procurement and contractual variations to deliver the service change.
2. Continue to explore the most appropriate residual waste collection frequency/pattern, taking due regard of emerging information from Government on funding. Report back to Cabinet / Full Council with recommendations at a future date that supports service implementation from April 2026.
3. In consultation with the Chief Operating Officer and Portfolio Holder for Resources, to monitor and report the net cost of Simpler Recycling (compared to our current budget for waste services) to members once procurement, Government funding and a revised Inter-Authority Agreement has been established for the Suffolk Waste Partnership.