The Devon Authorities Strategic Waste Committee met on 25 February 2026 to discuss the progress of a food waste participation improvement pilot and to approve the budget for the upcoming financial year. The committee approved the proposed budget of £191,125 for 2026/27, which includes funding for the expansion of the food waste project and initiatives to combat fly-tipping.

Food Waste Project Update

The committee received an update on the Participation Improvement Pilot project, which aims to increase household participation in food waste recycling. The pilot, which has involved Teignbridge District Council and received assistance from the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), has shown promising results. Smartwatch technology has been used by recycling crews to monitor participation, and various interventions have been trialled. These interventions have led to significant improvements in participation rates, with one pilot seeing a 12.6% increase and another achieving a 17% increase following specific interventions.

Discussion during this item covered the demographics of low participators, the potential impact on overall recycling rates, and any complaints received. Officers noted that while detailed demographic data was not yet available, it would be explored further as the project expands. The positive reception from collection crews was highlighted, and the durability and functionality of the smartwatch technology were praised. The project is intended to be rolled out across more districts in the next financial year, with plans to make it business as usual for all districts where possible. There was also discussion about providing free caddy liners as a potential future intervention.

Budget Proposal 2026/27

The committee considered the proposed budget for 2026/27, which totals £191,125. This includes a requested carry-forward of £20,971 from underspends in the current financial year. The budget will support the expansion of the food waste smartwatch pilot to East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, and Torbay. A separate allocation of £40,000 is designated for a shared officer post to support monitoring and enforcement in Torridge and West Devon, as these districts cannot fully adopt the technology-based pilot due to their existing systems.

An additional £20,000 is allocated to the Clean Devon initiative, which will fund further surveillance equipment and communication campaigns to tackle fly-tipping. Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Leader of the Green and Independent Group and Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Bio-diversity, inquired about potential funding for the Green Futures project, which focuses on collecting garden pesticide waste. Officers agreed to explore this request further, and it was suggested that the Chair and Vice-Chair would have delegated authority to consider and agree a final allocation if required.

The committee RESOLVED to:

• Note the budget position for the current year.
• Give delegated authority to the Chair and Vice Chair, in consultation with officers, regarding a final potential allocation to Green Futures, subject to further due diligence.
• Approve the proposal for the 2026/27 budget of £191,125.
• Approve a carry forward of £20,971.

Future Meetings

The committee noted the dates for future meetings: 03 June 2026, 21 October 2026, and 3 February 2027.