AMBITIOUS plans to boost recycling in the borough and make waste a “thing of the past” have been approved.

At its meeting on Wednesday, the council’s cabinet approved a resources and waste strategy for 2023-2030.

£4.2m investment

Members also approved capital investment up to £4.2 million to support the delivery of it, along with delegating authority to the director of operations and director of legal & governance to enter into the “necessary contracts”.

These relate to the provision of “enhanced” recycling containers and associated distribution across the borough, and up to 10 replacement recycling collection vehicles.

Cllr Andy Bowden, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “The strategy focuses on helping us all understand the impact of our waste and how we can collectively work together to reduce, re-use and recycle as much as possible, aiming to make waste a thing of the past and treating it as a sustainable renewable energy source.

“In developing the strategy, the current collection service was reviewed to ensure that moving forward it continues to offer value for money, aligns as I said with national policy and addresses feedback received from residents.

“The conclusion reached, based on all factors considered, is that an enhancement of a weekly kerbside sort service with improved containers is the most effective model to ensure delivery of the strategy.”

'Right thing for the environment and the borough'

Council leader Cllr David Baines also shared his views during the meeting.

He said it is the “right thing” for the environment and the borough.

The strategy will guide the “management, investment and sustainability” of waste and resource collection and disposal in the borough.

It outlines the vision for the service, outcomes to be achieved and the commitment to ensure “efficient and effective” delivery – while aiming to increase recycling, reduce waste, and support the target to achieve “zero carbon” by 2040.

The strategy provides full detail of the recycling containers that would support the “enhanced kerbside sort methodology”.

New kerbside containers

These comprise:

  • glass bottles and jars in a black 50 litre box made from recyclable material
  • paper in a 40-litre reusable bag with improved closure at the top and heavier weight in the bottom to reduce the “issue of loss during adverse weather”
  • plastic/metals in a 75-litre reusable sack with “improved closure” at the top and heavier weight in the bottom to reduce loss during adverse weather
  • Card in a 75-litre reusable sack with improved closure at the top and heavier weight in the bottom to reduce loss during adverse weather.

The report to cabinet says a full review of collection days and routes is currently being undertaken, following the “well-established principles of zonal working”.