Issue - meetings

For Cabinet to agree and recommend an updated waste collection system to Council for domestic waste collection in Fenland that provides for the legislative changes resulting from the Environment Act 2021 as they commence from 30 March 2026.

AGREED to recommend to Full Council:

1.            the approval of Fenland’s updated Waste Service Standards as set out in appendix 1

2.            the approval of updated TEEP statement as set out in appendix 2 in line with Simpler Recycling and Environment Act 2021 requirements.

3.            the approval of the suggested amendment to the waste strategy as set out in appendix 4 to allow for the required weekly food waste collections to commence from 30 March 2026, and

4.            to note that the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Waste Partnership are working on an update to the current area-based waste strategy approved by Council in 2008. This will be presented for member consideration later in 2025.

Members considered the Fenland Waste Strategy report presented by Councillor Tierney.

Councillor Miscandlon asked how the public will be notified of the new food waste collections. Councillor Tierney responded that it is a national strategy so it will be promoted by the Government, but this Council will use the usual channels to reach its residents, including press releases, website information, social media and notes left on the bins, however he would anticipate that this will also be promoted by each of the town and parish councils.

Councillor Hoy queried whether people would put their garden waste in the new food bins and cancel their garden waste subscription. Councillor Tierney said the proposal will give residents more space in their normal bins and the new strategy will result in more frequent waste collection than currently. Any issues will be addressed as they arise, currently the Council can only work with what Government are saying but it is a good plan.  

Proposed by Councillor Tierney, seconded by Councillor Murphy and AGREED to recommend to Full Council:

1.            the approval of Fenland’s updated Waste Service Standards as set out in appendix 1

2.            the approval of updated TEEP statement as set out in appendix 2 in line with Simpler Recycling and Environment Act 2021 requirements.

3.            the approval of the suggested amendment to the waste strategy as set out in appendix 4 to allow for the required weekly food waste collections to commence from 30 March 2026, and

4.            to note that the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Waste Partnership are working on an update to the current area-based waste strategy approved by Council in 2008. This will be presented for member consideration later in 2025.