Council presses for clarity on recycling collection laws

Published: Tue 12 November, 2024

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) has asked the government for clarity about household recycling collections so that decisions on local recycling containers can be made.

NWLDC, which began a review of its waste service in March 2023, has joined other authorities in writing to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed MP, to press for an update on progress of draft legislation that would enable the council to change the way it collects its recycling and household waste. 

Responding to feedback from almost 20,000 people on recycling container options earlier this year, the council is looking at ways of simplifying the way it collects recycling from households. 

Councillor Michael Wyatt, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community and Climate Change at NWLDC, said at the Full Council meeting on 5 November: 

“I have now written twice to the Secretary for the Environment Steve Reed seeking a response to my request for clarity on what waste collection regimes will be acceptable to the new Labour Government in legislation terms. 

“The council is fully committed to delivering on our pledge to review the waste service so that it is easy for the public to use and to improve our recycling performance. The lack of response from Government is holding up the progress on the waste review and I will continue to lobby the minister for clarity.”

Since the meeting, Cllr Michael Wyatt has said: 

“We understand this will be frustrating for people who have been patiently waiting for a change to recycling collections. However, we have a responsibility to protect the interests of the council and our residents.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to have their say on the recycling container options. The results of the survey will not be ignored and will be used to help the council make a final decision when the time is right.

“The Chief Executive of the council will be requesting a meeting with the government to try and bring this issue to a conclusion.”