Decision details

To decide if to implement, in part or in full, a separate paper and card collection scheme. Also, if so, when to do this.

To make Executive aware of both the request by Lincolnshire County Council for the City Council to adopt separate paper and card recycling, in full or part, and the recent Government mandate under its ‘Simpler Recycling’ initiative to collect paper and card separately as a statutory requirement.

·         That installing separate paper and card collections in the city be delayed until such point as it is viable to devote resources to further detailed consideration, based on a revised TEEP (Technical Economic Environmental and Practical) reasons assessment, and that a review be undertaken in 2027 if it has not been possible to progress this before that time.

·         That engagement with Lincolnshire County Council to develop an education and enforcement campaign in support of lowering contamination and improving recycling rates be approved.

·         That the Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place undertake review work to look into the risks that side waste is causing contamination, and any recommendation to withdraw that service be brought back to the Executive.

The following alternative options were considered:

1.    To introduce paper and card recycling only at properties with 240L wheeled bins, which was approximately two thirds of the city. Whilst it was recognised that residents with 240L bins were issued them due to having more space at their property, having an additional bin for paper and card would undoubtedly still lead to more bins left on streets, not least as food waste caddies had yet to be introduced.

2.    To introduce paper and card recycling in all areas except those without wheeled bins (eg bag collections, or communal bins). As with the reason stated above, this would affect properties with less space and would also lead to greater numbers of bins left on streets, not least as food waste caddies had yet to be introduced.

An assessment based on TEEP had been undertaken to assess the viability of establishing separate paper and card recycling. This had resulted in a recommendation to delay consideration of implementing the scheme until 2027 based on the below factors:

1.    Set up costs including the costs of additional bins was high.

2.    Many properties in Lincoln would struggle to accommodate an extra bin.

3.    Food waste collections would begin in April 2026 adding more change and extra caddies on streets.

4.    It was expected the Extended Producer Responsibility regulations would see a reduction in paper and card packaging in the waste stream which may call into question whether there would be sufficient paper and card to warrant an additional bin in the longer term.

5.    Extra staff resources, not only for collections, but also enforcement would be required.

6.    A strict timetable of Community Services contracts re-letting for waste, cleansing and ground maintenance (some of the largest in the Council) were being observed with a commencement date of September 2026. This added a significant work pressure.