In September 2021 the Council approved an Interim Waste Strategy which was to be reviewed and an action plan compiled once the Environment Bill had received Royal Assent. Although the Environment Act was mandated in November 2021, the exact requirements and timeframes were yet to be announced. However, one of the key outcomes was the introduction of consistent waste and recycling collections and a mandate for local authorities to collect food waste from the kerbside on a weekly schedule.
Members noted the potential costs for the implementation of kerbside food waste collections and it was stated that to support a shift in recycling rates a further cultural shift had to be implemented, which would ultimately reduce recycling costs. A contamination trial was being held in Beeston, from which best practice would be rolled out across the Borough.
RESOLVED that the increase in the refuse freighter fleet at a cost of £84,150, whilst waiting for a round review to be undertaken, be approved.
Reason
The Environment Act 2021 (‘the Act’) supports the Government’s 25-year environmental plan. Its purpose is to cover ‘the gap’ created by the UK’s departure from the EU and subsequent leaving behind of environmental protections put in place by the EU. The Act intends to ensure there are effective environmental protections in place and make sure accountability is embedded within UK environmental law going forward. Section 57 of the Act replaces the whole of Section 45A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. It now requires recycling streams to be collected separately unless it is not technically or economically practicable to do so or there is no significant environmental benefit.