·         To approve a Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy for Herefordshire and Worcestershire. 

·         To note progress with negotiations on the Integrated Waste Management Contract and to consider a continued way forward in the negotiations. 

THAT  (a)        The Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy be approved; and

(b)       Cabinet authorises the Director of Environment subject to a satisfactory outcome of negotiations in consultation with the County Secretary and Solicitor and County Treasurer and in conjunction with Worcestershire County Council, to:

(i)enter into a Variation to the Contract with Mercia Waste Management Ltd, to provide waste processing and recycling plants in order to meet the Councils’ Statutory and Voluntary targets as set out in the Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy;

(ii) enter into an associated Agreement with the Contractor’s nominated sub contractor), and/or their funding banks as necessary in order to protect the Councils’ interests, for the provision of waste processing and recycling plants.

In May 2000 the Government published “Waste Strategy 2000” which set out a vision for sustainable waste management and the steps by which it can be achieved.  Waste Strategy 2000 underlines the importance of having a fully integrated waste management system based on active partnerships between local authorities.  The framework for these partnerships is the development of a Municipal Waste Management Strategy.

To meet the Council’s legal responsibilities under the Waste and Emissions Trading Act 2003 and related legislation and secure the continuation of the existing contract.

Not applicable

Extensive consultation has been undertaken on this Strategy from January 2004 to May 2004 with relevant public bodies, the Voluntary Sector, relevant businesses and organisations and through a public consultation exercise.