The Greater Manchester Waste and Recycling Committee met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to discuss contract performance, budget updates, and progress on various waste reduction and recycling initiatives. Key decisions included endorsing a timetable for introducing 'soft' checks at Household Waste Recycling Centres and approving funding for 19 community projects. The committee also noted updates on capital projects, including the redevelopment of Reliance Street HWRC, and the potential impacts of national waste policy changes.

Contract Performance Update

The committee received an update on the performance of the Waste and Resource Management Services and Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) contracts. Total waste arisings for the year were just over 1 million tonnes, a slight decrease of approximately 1% compared to the previous year. The combined recycling rate stood at 45.7%, a decrease of around 1%, which was largely attributed to lower biowaste tonnages due to unusually dry and warm weather conditions. Despite planned outages at the Runcorn Energy Recovery Facility and Bolton Thermal Recovery Facility, landfill diversion remained above 99%, with contingency arrangements in place. Contamination levels in recycling were reported at around 18%, with ongoing communications aimed at improving the quality of materials presented by residents. Recycling rates at HWRCs remained above 61%, and visitor numbers increased by approximately 5% compared to the previous year. The committee was also informed of four RIDDOR-reportable incidents during 2025/26, with measures in place to prevent recurrence. Members discussed contamination levels and Greater Manchester's recycling performance in relation to national targets. It was confirmed that fridges continue to be accepted at HWRCs across Greater Manchester for specialist treatment.

GM Waste and Resources Budget Update and 2025/26 Outturn Position

The committee was presented with the final revenue and capital outturn position for the Waste and Resource Service for the 2025/26 financial year. Key variances, financial drivers, and implications for future financial planning were highlighted. The committee noted the final revenue outturn position and the capital outturn position and programme delivery.

Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Plan Update

An update was provided on the Greater Manchester Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) Work Programme for 2026/27. The committee noted the priorities and delivery approach outlined in the work programme, as well as progress on key initiatives such as Eco Refill Shops, Eco Grants for Schools, Bee Loved Fashion, and the Climate Awareness Framework. Members acknowledged the contribution these programmes make to reducing waste, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and delivering wider social, environmental, and economic benefits across Greater Manchester.

Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) Access Restrictions

The committee received an update on proposals to introduce enhanced residency checks at HWRCs. An amendment was carried to endorse the timetable for the introduction of 'soft' checks at HWRCs and the consequential monitoring of their application, in principle, subject to a further report being considered in January 2027.

Community Fund 2026/27 Update

An update was provided on the annual Renew Community Fund. The committee noted the content of the report and a separate report listing the community groups that had been shortlisted for funding. Subsequently, the committee approved the 19 shortlisted projects for funding.

Emissions Trading and Deposit Return Scheme Update

The committee considered a report detailing the potential impacts of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) on the budget and Waste Levy for future years, along with options for mitigation. The committee noted these potential impacts and endorsed the further actions outlined in the report.

Capital Programme and Assets Management Update

An update was provided on key capital projects and lifecycle projects during the first and second quarters of 2026/27. The committee noted the matters set out in the report and specifically noted the update on the redevelopment of Reliance Street HWRC, including the revised forecast project cost and the intention to refer the additional funding requirement to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) for approval.

Biowaste and Garden Waste Charging Update

The committee reviewed an analysis of the effect of the introduction of charged garden waste collection services by two districts on waste flows. The committee noted and commented on this analysis.

Future Meeting Dates

The committee noted the programme of meetings for the upcoming year, scheduled for 20 January 2027 and 10 March 2027.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

It was resolved that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for subsequent items of business due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.

Contract Update (Exempt)

The committee noted and commented on contract updates and key risks as set out in the report.

Community Fund 2026/27 Update (Exempt)

The committee approved the 19 shortlisted projects for funding.