Cabinet to consider proposals to modernise Waste and Recycling Service in line with national reforms
At its upcoming Cabinet meeting on 16 September, Castle Point Borough Council will consider proposals to modernise its Waste and Recycling Service, aligning with the Government’s Simpler Recycling policy and preparing for future changes under Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
Following extensive public consultation and in-depth analysis of the options, Cabinet members will be asked to approve the following key recommendations:
- Postponement of full containerisation: the Cabinet will consider the deferment of plans to implement a fully containerised Waste and Recycling Service due to cost, timing, and the impending transition to a new unitary authority in 2028 as a result of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
- Introduction of separate paper and card collections: Cabinet will consider a new kerbside collection service for paper and card to be introduced meeting new Simpler Recycling reforms. These national reforms require councils to collect a common set of recyclable materials from the kerbside for both residents and businesses.
Residents in Castle Point currently dispose of their waste and recycling using the following methods:
· Residual waste – black sacks
· Plastic, metals, paper and cardboard – pink sacks
· Glass – box container
· Food waste – caddie
· Garden waste – brown wheelie bin/green sacks as per subscription
The Council’s proposed approach would see a new paper and card collection rolled out from autumn 2026, using new disposable sacks alongside the existing pink sacks. The other recycling methods would remain the same. The suggested solution would offer minimal disruption to residents while meeting Simpler Recycling requirements within existing budgets.
To ensure a smooth transition, the Council would invest in expertise to develop new collection routes while maintaining existing collection days. A recommended communications campaign would inform residents about the changes and encourage recycling. There is also a proposal for investment in new vehicles with compartments to separate the plastic and metals from the paper and card.
Councillor Michael Fuller, Portfolio Holder for the Environment said:
“Decisions about the future of the Waste and Recycling Service need to carefully balance national policy changes, financial responsibility and resident convenience. I look forward to discussing the proposals with my Cabinet colleagues.”
View the Cabinet paper here.