Issue - meetings

That Cabinet approve:

a)      the implementation of a six-month food waste collection pilot across two rounds of approximately 1,500 properties each;

b)      the comparative testing of provision versus non-provision of compostable liner bags;

c)      a further report being brought to the Cabinet in spring 2027, detailing the pilot outcomes and recommendations prior to the District wide rollout;

d)      a Capital budget of £27,500 for the purchase and delivery of 3,300 external food waste caddies, 3,200 internal food waste caddies, to be funded from the Food Waste Reserve; and

e)  a revenue budget of £9,500 for the six-month supply of caddy liners for 1,500 properties, communication material and hiring a van to deliver the caddies, to be funded from the same ring-fenced reserve. 

The Waste and Recycling Manager presented a report which sought approval to introduce a pilot scheme of around 3,00 properties in September 2026 in preparation for the full District wide introduction of food waste collection service in October 2027. It was considered both prudent and operationally necessary to undertake a pilot ahead of full rollout.

The proposed pilot would enable the Council to gather essential data and experience regarding service delivery and resident participation. The areas identified for the pilot were Southwell, Lowdham and Yorke Drive and the Hawtonville estate in Newark which offered a suitably mixed demographic. One of the key variables of the pilot would be to test the inclusion of compostable / degradable bags. Full details of the proposed pilots were set out in the report and it was noted that feedback from the pilots would be reported to the Policy & Performance Improvement Committee in addition to the Cabinet. 

AGREED     (unanimously) that Cabinet approve:

a)           the implementation of a six-month food waste collection pilot across two rounds of approximately 1,500 properties each;

b)          the comparative testing of provision versus non-provision of compostable liner bags;

c)           a further report being brought to the Cabinet in spring 2027, detailing the pilot outcomes and recommendations prior to the District wide rollout;

d)          a Capital budget of £27,500 for the purchase and delivery of 3,300 external food waste caddies, 3,200 internal food waste caddies, to be funded from the Food Waste Reserve; and

e)      a revenue budget of £9,500 for the six-month supply of caddy liners for 1,500 properties, communication material and hiring a van to deliver the caddies, to be funded from the same ring-fenced reserve. 

Reasons for Decision:

The proposal aligns with the Community Plan to enhance the climate and the environment and provide value for money, whilst there is also a statutory requirement to provide a kerbside food waste collection service from October 2027.

Options Considered:

Consideration was given to not running a pilot food waste round and base future round sizes and expected yields on general benchmark data that is available. However, the Council wishes to maximise use of the service to benefit residents, provide value for money and increase recycling, rather than simply deliver the service. A pilot is deemed a positive development in order to achieve this ambition.