Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: July 24, 2025

Purpose: There are proposed changes to the frequency and/or methodology of recycling collections for around 27,000 properties in Thanet.

Content: Cabinet agreed the following:   1.  That residential properties currently receiving weekly refuse collections will be changed to alternate week refuse and recycling collections by 31 March 2026, which is consistent with existing collections from the majority of residential properties in Thanet;   2.  That a weekly food waste collection be introduced for all residential properties who do not receive this. This will ensure compliance with the specific requirement to offer food waste collections to all properties by 31 March 2026;   3.  That as part of the proposed improvements, fully mixed (including paper and card) recycling service in bespoke clear bags, will be offered to residents that have limited or no space for Blue or Red lidded recycling bins;   4.  That recycling be consolidated into a Fully Mixed Recycling stream in either clear bags or a wheeled bin for communal properties where it is not practical to offer recycling in separate streams (i.e. paper/card and cans/glass/plastic);   5.  That the 240L Bin Scheme in the 2025/26 Capital Programme be renamed ‘Simpler Recycling’, with the original scheme being revisited as part of the 26/27 Capital Programme;   6.  That Cabinet recommend to Council the approval of a new revenue budget of £241,000 to deliver the Simpler Recycling Scheme, which will be funded via the existing Inter Authority Agreement payment from Kent County Council.

Reasons for the decision: Changes will mean all residents have access to a full recycling service which will improve our recycling rate and ensure we comply with legislation.

Alternative options considered: To not make or only partly make these changes. Both options were rejected as the changes have too many environmental and financial benefits.