It is finally here (!!), and rumours of the National Resources & Waste Strategy content mostly appear to be correct, albeit some key aspects still subject to consultation. But what for local authority collections? We now know that the organic side of collections is undergoing an overhaul. Out go the ‘charged garden collections’ - this will create a major blow to budgets for those who have implemented them. In come mandatory food waste collections, this will come as a major blow to budgets of those that have not implemented them - however does have strong environmental merits.

On dry recycling, consistency is the message and commonality of materials collected and labelling, both important factors in behaviour change and effective participation, but will require change in collection practice and products. But both should be welcomed as the diversity at present is nonsensical if we are to deliver the strongest outcomes.

The implementation of Deposit Return schemes (including for single use cups…) will remove some key revenue items from the municipal waste stream (cans, plastic bottles), again with impacts on local government budgets. BUT the long overdue producer responsibility ‘full payment’ for their products is aimed to deliver funds back into local government services (detail to be provided), and can only help support development to more circular economy thinking. Those items ‘less recyclable’ will cost more through the producer responsibility scheme. Another measure to be welcomed.

All of these factors will influence contracts for both collections, recycling and treatment over the short to long term, often requiring consideration and renegotiation of contracts, more on this in a second blog.

The ebbs and flows of the impacts of the new National Resources & Waste Strategy need appropriate analysis to manage services and budgets, this is particularly the case as authorities are setting out their long term plans from 2020 onwards. We are modelling revenue and performance impacts of both changing collection systems and changing waste flows, through either ESPO or directly for local authorities and waste contractors. Contact us on paul@frithrm.com tel. 01746 552423 if looking for support in this area.

Here is the link https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/765625/resources-waste-strategy-dec-2018.pdf