Agenda item

(A report by Victoria Burgess, Assistant Director – Neighbourhoods)

The Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, Councillor Callum Butler, presented a report by the Director of Communities which outlined the Council’s response to the requirements of the Environment Act 2021. The Act mandated the introduction of weekly food waste collections from all households by April 2026.

An assessment of the options was included within Appendix 1, setting out the financial costs of each option and the service delivery impacts on both residents and the current service. Capital financing details were provided within Appendix 2. The preferred option involved the procurement of 14 new pod vehicles, identified as the most economical, viable, and environmentally sustainable solution. Due to a lead time of over 40 weeks, it was recommended that the capital programme be brought forward to allow for timely ordering.

Members ware advised that the proposed changes would necessitate a full review of collection routes, which would likely result in changes to collection days for many residents. In addition, the introduction of the food waste service would coincide with the cessation of the current side waste policy, which allowed up to four additional bags to be placed alongside bins. The rationale for this change included improving recycling rates, enhancing staff safety, reducing incidents of fly-tipping, and identifying properties with potential overcrowding issues.

Councillor Butler highlighted the following key points:

·       The introduction of weekly food waste collections from April 2026 was a statutory requirement under the Environment Act 2021.

·       Two options had been assessed for delivering the service, with pod vehicles identified as the most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution.

·       An order for 14 new pod vehicles had to be placed by June 2025 due to a lead time of over 40 weeks; and the capital programme would need to be brought forward to accommodate the purchase.

·       A full review of collection routes would be required, likely resulting in changes to collection days for most residents.

·       The current side waste policy, which allowed up to four additional bags alongside bins, would be withdrawn alongside the introduction of food waste collections.

·       Reasons for removing side waste included:

o   Low recycling rates (currently around 39%);

o   Health and safety concerns for collection staff (e.g. risk of injury from sharp objects);

o   Prevention of fly-tipping and misattributed waste; and

o   Identification of overcrowded or problematic properties.

·       Boston was currently the only council in Lincolnshire still accepting side waste with wheeled bins.

·       Aligning the removal of side waste with the food waste rollout would allow for a single, coordinated communication and transition effort.

Members discussed the report and commented as follows:

·       Strong support was expressed for the removal of side waste, particularly due to health and safety concerns for collection staff.

·       Members welcomed the alignment of the new food waste service with the withdrawal of side waste, allowing for a single, coordinated transition.

·       It was noted that the changes would help improve recycling rates and reduce fly-tipping incidents.

·       Assurance was given that officers would provide support and engagement to help residents adapt to the new arrangements.

·       Questions were raised about the disposal of existing vehicles, with confirmation that they would be sold and the proceeds would be returned to the capital programme.

·       Clarification was sought on the modelling used to determine the number of vehicles required; officers confirmed that local data and projected growth had been factored in.

·       The need for flexibility in vehicle size was discussed, particularly to accommodate narrow streets.

·       Concerns were raised about the impact of the side waste policy during the Christmas period; it was agreed this would be reviewed.

·       Members emphasised the importance of a clear and consistent communications campaign to support the rollout.

·       It was noted that food waste caddies would be compatible with standard liners, and that additional support would be available for households with specific needs.

·       The broader benefits of reducing food waste and encouraging more mindful consumption were acknowledged.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Callum Butler and seconded by Councillor Sandeep Ghosh.

Resolved:

That the Cabinet:

1.     Note Option 1b as presented within this report for collecting food waste weekly from households;

2.     Approve drawing forward £2.010m from the capital programme allocation for 2027/28-2028/29 to 2026/27 to fund the capital costs of purchasing food waste collection vehicles, subject to Council approval;

3.     Approve slippage of £0.840m in the Capital Programme allocations for Food Waste for 2025/26 into 2026/27 to fund the capital costs of purchasing food waste collection vehicles, subject to Council approval;

4.     Approve an addition of £0.130m to the capital programme in 2026/27 to fund the capital costs of purchasing food waste collection vehicles, subject to Council approval;

5.     Approve the placing of an order for 14 food waste collection vehicles in June 2025 for delivery in 2026/27, subject to the budget being confirmed; and

6.     Approve the changes to the current waste collection policy to remove the presentation of sacks alongside bins, requiring waste and recycling to be presented within wheeled bin containers provided by the Council.

[The Assistant Director – Neighbourhoods and the Operations Manager left the meeting at 7.09p.m., following consideration of the above item.]