Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 9, 2025

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.