Decision Maker: Babergh Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Mid Suffolk Cabinet, Babergh Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 9, 2025

Purpose: To approve the policy in readiness for publication

Content: It was RESOLVED: -   1.1         That Cabinet approved Option A and adopted the Household Recycling and Waste Collections Policy (Appendix A) ahead of ‘Better Recycling’ going live from June 2026.   1.2         That, Cabinet agreed delegated authority for the Director of Operations in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Recycling and Waste, to make technical changes to the Household Recycling and Waste Collections Policy as required.   REASON FOR DECISION   The decision to develop and adopt the proposed Household Recycling and Waste Collection Policy was intended to standardise service delivery across the Mid Suffolk district, ensuring consistency, fairness, and clarity for all residents.   The Policy aimed to increase recycling rates, reduce contamination, and ensure compliance with national legislation and guidance, including the Environment Act 2021 and the Resources and Waste Strategy for England.   The Policy also sought to provide transparency and accountability by clearly outlining the level of service residents can expect and their personal responsibilities in supporting effective waste management.   Importantly, the Policy recognised that there would be exceptions to the standard service, and provisions had been included to accommodate specific needs and circumstances where appropriate.   Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:   OPTION B - Do nothing This option would not fully support the core aims of Better Recycling, that is, to increase recycling rates and reduce waste and recycling contamination.   An outdated policy which does not reflect the current service delivery model would not support our residents to clearly understand the waste and recycling services that we provide and would likely lead to sub-optimal outcomes across the service.   OPTION C - Postpone the approval of the Household Recycling and Waste Collections Policy until early June 2026 when Better Recycling goes live.   Whilst any delay in the Governance process would provide more time to review and improve the Policy, it could lead to confusion about the standards and scope for waste and recycling services.   An extensive communications campaign on Better Recycling is in progress and a clearly agreed policy would allow some inevitable additional questions to be answered through having an agreed policy position.   Our waste officers would be supported by the Policy and its framework being in place and this will offer clarity to support both education and enforcement activities.   Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None