Rushcliffe Borough Council is preparing for significant changes to its household waste management in response to the Environment Act 2021.
The report released ahead of a Cabinet meeting next week deals with the benefits and challenges of the new system proposals.
The introduction of “Simpler Recycling” regulations marks the most extensive update to waste collection since the rollout of the wheeled bin system in 2003. Here’s an in-depth look at the updates, the rationale behind them, and what they mean for residents and the environment.
By 31 March 2026, all councils in England will be required to collect an expanded range of recyclable materials, including:
- Paper and card
- Plastic bottles, pots, tubs, and trays
- Metals and foil
- Glass
- Food waste
- Garden waste (optional service)
By 31 March 2027, the mandate will expand further to include plastic films and bags, enhancing recycling convenience and efficiency.
New Kerbside Glass Collection: Rushcliffe will introduce a dedicated kerbside glass collection service by 1 December 2025, shifting from the current bring-site model. Glass will be collected in 180-litre bins every six weeks alongside grey bin collections, facilitated by advances in sorting technology that allow mixed-glass recycling.
Weekly Food Waste Collection: A county-wide rollout of weekly food waste collection will commence on 1 October 2027, delayed to accommodate logistical complexities. Residents will receive 23-litre caddies for hygienic storage of food waste.
Current Recycling Success: Rushcliffe boasts the highest recycling rate in Nottinghamshire, nearly 50% annually, and aims to increase this to nearly 60% by 2028/29 with the implementation of these updates.
Carbon Savings: The changes align with national goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By improving recycling efficiency and diverting organic waste from landfills, these measures will significantly cut methane emissions.
Funding Challenges: While DEFRA has pledged funding under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, capital and revenue costs remain a concern:
- Glass collection capital costs: £1.69 million
- Food waste collection capital costs: £1.6 million
- Annual revenue pressure for all services: £318,000
The council plans to create a “Simpler Recycling Reserve” to manage financial pressures, partially offset by EPR payments and increased glass recycling income.
Timeline
- 2024: Preparations begin, including communication campaigns and procurement.
- 2025: Launch of kerbside glass recycling (December target).
- 2026: Inclusion of additional recyclables in blue bins by March.
- 2027: Introduction of plastic films and weekly food waste collections (October).
Planning
The Nottinghamshire Joint Waste Management Board (JWMB) has played a pivotal role in shaping the county-wide approach. The board has worked with organisations such as WRAP to model the operational, financial, and environmental impacts of the changes.
Joint initiatives will ensure consistent communication and service delivery, particularly crucial in a county with diverse urban and rural communities.
The success of these changes hinges on resident engagement:
- Opt-Out Glass Recycling: All households will automatically receive a glass bin unless they opt out.
- Communication Campaigns: Detailed guidance on using new bins and understanding expanded recycling options will be provided.
- Assisted Collection Services: Provisions will continue for residents with disabilities or other challenges.
Potential Risks
The report identifies several risks, including:
- Uncertainty in long-term funding.
- Supply chain constraints for vehicles and bins.
- Resident engagement challenges.
- Rising inflation impacting costs.
However, the council is proactive in addressing these issues through robust planning and phased implementation.
“Consistency in Collections,” the precursor to Simpler Recycling, was first introduced in the Resources and Waste Strategy for England 2018. The current measures are part of the UK Government’s broader commitment to its 25-Year Environment Plan and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
