The Lincolnshire Waste Partnership meeting was scheduled to cover updates from partner councils, a discussion on food waste, and regulatory changes affecting waste management. The meeting agenda also included a review of the partnership's forward plan.

Partner Updates

The meeting was scheduled to receive verbal updates from each of the partner councils on their waste management activities. This would have included information on the rollout of new bins and waste disposal vehicles, recruitment of engagement officers, and reviews of waste disposal routes. Specific updates were expected from South Holland District Council, East Lindsey District Council, Boston Borough Council, West Lindsey District Council, South Kesteven District Council, North Kesteven District Council, and City of Lincoln Council. Lincolnshire County Council was also expected to provide an update.

Food Waste Update

A key item on the agenda was an update on food waste initiatives. This was expected to cover the ongoing and planned rollouts of new waste collection and disposal regulations, supported by a communications campaign. The report pack indicated that future milestones for food waste management would be highlighted as part of a roadmap of goals. Discussions were anticipated regarding potential communication strategies, including promoting lifestyle changes to reduce food waste and the effectiveness of different communication channels. The report pack also noted that the partnership was expected to continue supporting the implementation of segregated food waste collection and disposal across Lincolnshire, in accordance with requirements from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Regulatory Updates

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on relevant legislative and regulatory changes affecting waste management since the previous meeting. The primary focus of these updates was expected to be on the introduction of a deposit return scheme and the recycling of 'soft plastics', such as plastic bags and food wrapping. The report pack indicated that the partnership would be provided with an opportunity to ask questions regarding proposed methodologies for soft plastic collection. Concerns were also expected to be raised regarding the competency of DEFRA and its perceived attitude towards the financial difficulties faced by local government bodies due to new waste regulations.

Lincolnshire Waste Partnership Forward Plan

The meeting agenda included a review of the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership's Forward Plan. This section was intended to outline future activities and priorities for the partnership. It was also noted that the results of any consultation on household waste recycling could be discussed at a future meeting. The forward plan itself outlines scheduled topics and responsible officers for meetings throughout 2026 and 2027, including partner updates, performance updates, regulatory updates, and specific project updates such as the South Holland District Council wheeled bins update.