The Greater Manchester Waste & Recycling Committee met on Wednesday 22 July 2026 to appoint its Chair and Vice-Chair for the upcoming municipal year, and to agree its work programme and meeting schedule. The committee also noted its membership for 2026/27 and agreed to appoint Councillor Stephen Adshead to the 5 Year Environment Plan Partnership.

Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chair

The committee nominated Councillor Alan Quinn as Chair and Councillor Stephen Adshead as Vice-Chair for the 2026/27 municipal year. These nominations are to be put forward for approval by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

Membership of the GM Waste & Recycling Committee 2026/27

The committee noted the membership for the 2026/27 municipal year, which had been appointed at the GMCA meeting on 26 June 2026.

Appointment to the 5 Year Environment Plan Partnership

Councillor Stephen Adshead was appointed to the 5 Year Environment Plan Partnership for the 2026/27 municipal year.

Members Code of Conduct

The committee noted the GMCA's Member Code of Conduct and agreed to complete and return the annual register of interest and gifts and hospitality forms. The Code of Conduct outlines the expected standards of behaviour for members, including principles of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership. It also details requirements for registering interests and gifts to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest.

Terms of Reference

The committee noted the Terms of Reference for the Greater Manchester Waste and Recycling Committee. These terms define the committee's function and purpose, which includes considering issues relating to the establishment and implementation of waste disposal strategies and policies of the GMCA, and overseeing waste disposal operations, contracts, and behavioural change programmes. The committee has delegated authority to discharge waste disposal functions, with specific exceptions such as setting the waste levy, approving the Waste and Resources Strategy, and awarding contracts exceeding £10 million.

Committee Work Programme 2026-27

The Committee Work Programme for 2026/27 was agreed. This programme outlines the key items that will be addressed by the committee throughout the municipal year. Topics include contract updates, communications and behavioural change initiatives, budget and levy setting, strategy and policy updates, asset management, and the emissions trading scheme.

Programme of Meetings 2026/27

The programme of meetings for the 2026/27 municipal year was agreed. The scheduled meeting dates are 24 September 2026, 20 January 2027, and 10 March 2027.

Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 March 2026

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 March 2026 were approved as a correct record.

Contracts Update

An update was provided on the performance of the Waste and Resource Management Services and Household Waste Recycling Centre Management Services contracts. The report highlighted that the combined contract recycling rate was 46%, a slight decrease from the previous year, partly due to lower biowaste tonnages. Contamination levels in kerbside collected recyclate were noted, with ongoing efforts to improve accuracy. The report also detailed two further incidents reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013, relating to Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, with reviews of recommendations and controls in place.

Update on Delivery of the Communications and Behavioural Change Plan

An update was given on communications campaigns and educational activities. The 'Big Recycling Survey' revealed that residents rely on councils for information, with particular challenges for residents in flats. Confusion around items such as juice cartons, crisp packets, and ripped t-shirts was identified as a key issue. 'GM Repair Week' was celebrated, promoting repair services across Greater Manchester. Development of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) resources was also underway to assist residents with recycling queries. Members discussed the cost implications of providing bin stickers and agreed that campaigns should be targeted at areas with weaker recycling performance.

Capital Programme and Asset Management Update

An update was provided on key capital projects. The Reliance Street Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) redevelopment is experiencing delays due to unforeseen ground conditions, with completion now expected in late summer or autumn 2026. The installation of a new materials recovery facility at Salford Road, Over Hulton, is progressing, with contract awards expected in June 2026 and commissioning anticipated in autumn 2027. Concerns were raised about increased fly-tipping around the closed Reliance Street HWRC, and the committee requested that officers review communications regarding the closure. Wider concerns about endemic fly-tipping were discussed, with a suggestion to lobby the government for changes to legislation to enhance local authority powers. The committee also requested clarity on responsibilities for clearing rubbish from the vicinity of Metrolink tram lines.

The Introduction of Measures to Prevent Cross-Border Usage of GMCA Household Waste & Recycling Centres

A report detailed the pressure on GMCA Household Waste and Recycling Centres from use by residents outside the nine GMCA districts. A two-stage approach was proposed, starting with soft steps such as postcode checks and informing visitors about future ID requirements. The second stage will explore more technologically based systems. The committee approved the implementation of the soft approach and research into a technologically based system. It was also requested that officers write to the government seeking enhancements to local authority powers regarding HWRCs and cross-border usage. The committee also requested statistics on fly-tipping levels around HWRC sites to evidence impacts.

The Impact of Government's Plans for the Management of Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

An early warning was given regarding the future requirement to manage per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in landfill leachate from GMCA's closed landfill sites. The government's PFAS Plan aims to reduce and minimise the impacts of these chemicals. New discharge limits for PFAS from wastewater treatment works are expected in April 2027, which may lead to treatment works refusing PFAS-containing effluents, pushing the issue back to landfill operators. The report summarised the potential impact on GMCA as the custodian of two closed landfill sites. The committee noted the report and recognised the need to explore options for future consideration.

Future Meeting Dates

The provisional meeting dates for 2026/27 were noted.