Agenda item

To submit the report of the Head of Highways, Waste and Property.

The report of the Head of Highways, Waste and Property which sought the Executive’s approval to conduct a consultation process on potential changes to waste collection and recycling services as part of the strategy to achieve statutory targets was presented for consideration.

Councillor Ieuan Williams, Portfolio Member for Highways, Waste and Climate Change presented the report, and noted that the Council is statutorily required to achieve a 70% recycling rate by 2024/25. Failure to meet this target could result in a Welsh Government fine and based on the current recycling rate of around 65%, the Council could incur an annual penalty of £361k. Welsh Government’s collections blueprint published in June 2025 sets out recommendations for waste collection practices, most of which the Council already meets. Wrap Cymru has provided support with increasing recycling rates with its main recommendation being to reduce weekly residual waste capacity to 60L in line with the blueprint. This could be achieved through less frequent residual waste collections and/or smaller bins, which could increase the Council’s recycling rate by 5%, although replacing bins would involve a significant cost.

A potential change to a service especially where that involves a possible reduction, requires consultation, and since the waste collection service impacts every householder, a full public consultation is necessary. Proposed consultation questions developed with the legal and communication teams are set out in Appendix 1 to the report. If, following consultation a service change is introduced, substantial financial investment will be required. Welsh Government funding would only be available where the Council can demonstrate a credible plan to achieve a recycling rate of 70% or higher. Without such a plan the risk of a fine increases and could also affect business as usual costs.

The Head of Highways, Waste and Property advised that national evidence indicates that the 70% recycling target cannot be achieved through education or enforcement alone and that a step change in approach is required. The long-term plan, if approved would safeguard business as usual operations as significant investment in the two recycling centres is needed to modernise equipment and maintain current services. He also noted that minor amendments have been made to the consultation questionnaire to make it more digitally friendly and to include a Welsh language impacts question in line with statutory duties.

Councillor Dylan Rees, Chair of the Partnership and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee reported from the committee’s 10 December 2025 meeting which reviewed  the proposed consultation. The committee emphasised the need to reach as many residents as possible through a variety of engagement methods. Members noted the main challenges as low response rates and limited public understanding of the need to change waste collection and recycling arrangements to meet statutory targets. They had sought assurance that additional efforts would be made to raise awareness of the importance of recycling and they suggested extending the consultation period. After reviewing the documentation, the committee had recommended that the Executive proceed with the consultation using the questions set out in Appendix 1 and the proposed timetable, while being mindful of the committee’s concerns.

The Executive noted that the Council is not alone in not having met the statutory 70% recycling target and is not among the lowest performers. Members acknowledged that Welsh Government regards recycling rates as a priority and that it can fine local authorities that fail to meet targets. They emphasised that the public consultation is essential in developing a credible plan to demonstrate the Council’s commitment to meeting the statutory target, both to avoid penalties and to secure funding to invest in the Council’s recycling facilities. Members also highlighted the ongoing need to educate residents about the purpose and process of recycling and emphasised that it is a shared responsibility. They recognised that the Council must lead in promoting and facilitating recycling and that a collective effort is needed to achieve the target.

It was resolved –

·      To approve conducting a consultation process on how the recycling/waste collection service could change in future to help reach the 70% statutory recycling targets.

·      To approve the questions to be asked as part of the consultation process as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

·      To approve the timetable for the public consultation, to commence on 7 January 2026 and last for six weeks.