Report to follow.

The member for environment introduced the report.  It was highlighted that section 57

(8) of the Environment Act 2021 states that recyclable household waste which is food waste, must be collected at least once a week.  It was noted to comply with legislation a food waste recycling service must be in place by 31 March 2026.  It was anticipated that the recycling rates will increase from around 40% to 45% and once the chargeable garden waste service is factored in, this would increase to 58% which would exceed the target for 2025.  It was further noted that the council were now collecting batteries and smaller electricals which also enhances the councils recycling ability. 

It was confirmed that more than 1m mega watt hours of electricity had been generated from food waste collected since 2017. 

Point of accuracy amendment 5 June 2025:

It was confirmed that more than 1million megawatt hours of electricity had been generated from the total waste stream and not just from the food waste collected since 2017.

The new proposal was suggesting it be put through anaerobic digestion, which would create biogas to generate energy.  It was highlighted that the contract contained a specific provision to ensure that none of the digestates produced would be sold into or spread into the Wye Lugg SAC to avoid increasing the nutrient loads within the catchment. It was confirmed that diverting food waste energy from waste plants to AD recycling has estimated to save £621k per annum.  It was noted that utilising existing digesters in the county had been considered but the nature of food waste required a specific set up that could not be achieved without excessive expenditure on the existing installations.  A commercial food waste collection and disposal service was being piloted which would merge with the domestic food waste service from 2026. 

Regarding the additional recycling bins, it was confirmed each household would be provided with a small kitchen caddy and a 25L outdoor caddy, this will be supported by a detailed communications and engagement strategy. 

It was confirmed that this decision will have paved the way for the service to take on the new requirements once the annual new burdens revenue grant has been agreed. 

Comments from cabinet members.  This was noted to be a positive step and a fantastic piece of work.   It was noted as showing the council’s commitment to the environment. 

Group leaders gave the views of their groups. It was raised that the substantive papers for cabinet were issued a day after the agenda was published and a request that this didn’t occur going forward.  There was full support for this initiative, and it was a positive step to have weekly collections for food waste.  It was noted that anaerobic digestion management would be monitored and ensuring that the council were going beyond the statutory requirements. 

There were no response to queries. 

Councillor Swinglehurst, proposed the recommendations, and it was unanimously resolved that:

That conditional on sufficient annual new burdens revenue grant received from government that:

a)    Cabinet approves the commencement of a new food waste collection;

b)    Authority is delegated to the Corporate Director for Economy and Environment to enact the existing option to introduce a weekly food waste service within the recyclables and waste collection contract with FCC Environment for an initial term of 6 years, including options to extend by up to a further 12 years;

c)    Authority is delegated to the Corporate Director for Economy and Environment to enact the existing variation option to within the current waste disposal contract with Mercia Waste Management Ltd to recycle the food waste;

d)    To authorise the expenditure as detailed in Appendix 1 to purchase the new food waste collection fleet and to purchase and deliver the new food containers and caddy liners;

e)    To authorise the expenditure as detailed in Appendix 1 for the required depot improvements works and to mobilise the new service;

f)      Delegate all operational decisions to implement the above recommendations and to undertake the annual review of commercial food waste fees and charges to the Head of Environment, Climate Emergency & Waste.