Following the successful award and mobilisation of the new recyclables and waste collection service, Cabinet resolved to approve the introduction of the new food waste collections scheme in May 2025. This report recommends the optimal approach to implementing this scheme and sets out the rationale for this recommendation against other potential options.

Councillor Swinglehurst cabinet member for environment and culture introduced the report, noting that the requirement arises from the Environment Act 2021. The aim of the legislation is to reduce the amount of food waste disposed of through residual waste streams and to support more environmentally sustainable treatment methods, including anaerobic digestion.

Members heard that Herefordshire has already significantly reduced landfill disposal through investment in energy-from-waste infrastructure, with less than 1% of waste now sent to landfill. Nevertheless, the legislation requires separate collection and treatment of food waste.

Government funding had been received to cover the majority of the capital costs associated with introducing the service, and the council had originally anticipated receiving additional revenue funding. However, following the final local government finance settlement, no specific new burdens funding was provided, requiring the council to review implementation options to ensure value for money and affordability.

A range of delivery approaches were considered, including phased implementation and alternative start dates. Following discussions with operational partners, the preferred option was identified as a single countywide rollout in September 2027. Members were advised that this approach would provide a clear and consistent message to residents, simplify communications, avoid implementation during peak summer and Christmas periods, and support public confidence in the new service.

It was noted that approximately 6,000 households would require tailored arrangements, and work would be undertaken to ensure suitable collection solutions are provided. The report identified key risks and mitigating actions, including additional preparation time for recruitment, service planning, operational readiness and public engagement.

Members were advised that diverting food waste from residual waste collections would reduce disposal costs, as food waste collected separately would not require treatment through the energy-from-waste facility. The importance of achieving high levels of public participation was emphasised in order to maximise environmental benefits and ensure value for money.

Cabinet was asked to approve the proposed implementation strategy and recommendations for the introduction of the food waste collection service.

Comments from cabinet members:

A member raised a concern regarding the future use and disposal of digestate produced through anaerobic digestion. It was noted that restrictions on spreading digestate within the River Wye catchment could create challenges in the future, particularly if similar approaches are adopted by other authorities.

Members observed that this could affect the availability of suitable outlets for digestate and potentially result in additional costs or the need to consider alternative treatment and disposal methods. The comments were offered as a consideration for future planning and risk management.

Group Leaders were invited to offer their views:

The representative for Independents for Herefordshire outlined the views of their group and raised that:

Expressed support for the implementation of the food waste collection service, recognising that the council is required to introduce the scheme and acknowledging the work undertaken to develop the proposals.

Concerns were raised regarding references to the management of digestate, noting the importance of ensuring that the council does not simply transfer environmental impacts to other areas and that opportunities should be explored to work collaboratively with other authorities and partners to identify sustainable solutions.

Clarification was sought regarding estimated food waste collection tonnages and made observations on the risk management section of the report. It was suggested that risks and mitigation measures could be more clearly articulated to strengthen decision-making and provide greater assurance regarding how identified risks will be managed and addressed.

The Green Group Leader outlined the views of their group and raised that:

Noted disappointment that the rollout of the food waste collection service had been delayed, while recognising that Herefordshire was not alone in facing challenges arising from the national funding arrangements.

Concerns were raised regarding the requirement for the council to contribute additional capital funding, including borrowing and the use of reserves, alongside the Government grant, and clarification was sought as to whether further capital investment would be required in future years.

The member welcomed the option appraisal undertaken and supported the proposed countywide rollout as the most cost-effective approach.

Questions were also raised regarding the intended use of digestate, including whether it would be used outside the county or outside the River Wye and River Lugg catchments, and whether opportunities existed to generate income from digestate given the increasing cost of fertilisers.

The Liberal Democrat Group Leader outlined the views of their group and raised that:

Expressed concern about the practical and environmental implications of the food waste collection service, particularly in a large rural county such as Herefordshire. It was noted that collection vehicles may be required to travel significant distances along rural roads to collect relatively small quantities of food waste from individual households, raising concerns about the associated financial costs, vehicle movements and overall carbon and energy impacts of the service.

It was highlighted the importance of monitoring these impacts as the scheme is implemented.

The True Independents Leader outlined the views of their group and raised that:

Not present.

In response to the comments made:

Members acknowledged that the introduction of the food waste collection service is a statutory requirement and that the council must implement the scheme. Whilst supporting its introduction, concerns raised during the debate regarding the potential environmental impacts of collection arrangements, particularly in a rural county, were noted and will be kept under consideration as the service is developed and implemented.

The Deputy Leader of the Council concluded the discussions. Cllr Swinglehurst proposed the recommendations, Councillor Durkin seconded. The Deputy Leader directed that the decision to be put before Cabinet is:

That Cabinet

a)    Cabinet approves the commencement of a new food waste collection service from September 2027 as a countywide service implementation;

b)    Cabinet authorises the revenue expenditure detailed in paragraphs 49 and 50 to mobilise the service,

c)    Cabinet authorises the capital expenditure detailed in in paragraphs 43 and 50, to purchase and deliver the new food containers and caddy liners and to undertake the required depot improvements works;

d)    Cabinet delegate all operational decisions to implement the above recommendations to the Chief Operating Officer - Economy and Environment.

The recommendations were unanimously approved.

It was confirmed the next meeting of cabinet was 10 September 2026 at 2:30pm.

Meeting finished at: 16:10