Item 12 - Waste Strategy Progress Update
West Dunbartonshire Council · 12 November 2025
Back to Infrastructure, Regeneration & Economic Development Committee — 12 November 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer - Roads & Neighbourhood Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development Committee 12 November 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Subject: Waste Strategy Progress Update 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this report is to update Committee on progress against the key actions identified in the Waste Strategy Action Plan, which provides an overarching route map to achieve our regulatory and legislative targets. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that Committee notes the progress on delivery of the key actions set out in the Waste Strategy Action Plan attached in Appendix 1. 3. Background 3.1 In 2023 Committee approved the 5 year Waste Strategy that set out the aims of the service and the key deliverables required to achieve the ambitious targets set out by the Scottish Government. 3.2 The Scottish Government places duties on all public bodies to contribute to waste reduction targets, deliver programmes to increase resilience, and to act in a more ‘sustainable’ way. The strategy is underpinned by a suite of actions which supports delivery and allow for more effective reporting. 3.3 The Waste Strategy Action Plan is broken down into sections which includes actions to: Maximise our recycling opportunities that support the circular economy Develop a Waste Transfer Station Prepare for the Deposit Return Scheme Implement the action plan from the Fit for the Future review Implement a communication strategy to engage and inform communities and businesses Maximise opportunities from appropriate term waste disposal contracts 4. Main Issues 4.1 The Council adopted the Climate Change Strategy in November 2020. One of the themes focused on waste and the circular economy. To contribute towards meeting the targets locally and nationally, the Council developed a Waste Strategy as a route ITEM 12
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map to 2025 and beyond. Our vision is an overarching strategy that will set the foundation for a plan of action and a response to changing legislation. 4.2 The Waste Strategy aims to maximise the environmental, community and financial benefits from the waste the council produce, which will also help the council to comply with the statutory obligations, as set out in the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012, which includes a ban on the landfilling of biodegradable waste by December 2025 and working towards meeting the ambitious reuse and recycling targets set by the Scottish Government. 4.3 The Waste Strategy looks at the following key principles. These are: Mitigation - Contribute to reduction targets directly, and indirectly through wider functions such as waste reduction and improved recycling performance. Adaptation - Deliver measures that reflect changing legislation and increase resilience. Sustainability - Consider social, economic, and environmental impact of all activities, policy decisions, and strategy. 4.4 The overall themes of the Waste Strategy are: • preventing waste at source • enhancing recycling services to maximise recycling as close to source as possible • maximising the value of the remaining waste • driving efficiencies across the service • engaging communities and ensuring services are fit for future The activities are subject to ongoing and regular review to ensure they achieve their sustainability objectives and continue to demonstrate best value. 4.5 Successful implementation of the Waste Strategy requires internal governance at both strategic and operational levels. To ensure that the Waste Strategy is delivered effectively, a waste project board has been established involving Trade Unions and senior management from each council service area, ensuring shared responsibility. 4.6 The Waste Strategy Action Plan is monitored and reviewed by the waste project board and progress on actions updated. Every 5 years it will go through a full progress review and an updated Strategy will be published as a result. 4.7 Maximise our recycling opportunities that support the circular economy – recycling performance improvements In order to implement the actions required to improve recycling performance, waste services have worked in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland to establish a more effective collection model. Although the council has achieved significant improvement on our recycling figures from 35% to approaching 50% in the past year the service anticipate further improvement with the implementation of the prioritised recycling collection model in November 2025.
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4.8 Net Zero Cooperation Agreement In November 2024 West Dunbartonshire Council entered into a Net Zero Cooperation Agreement with Glasgow City Council. The agreement provides both local authorities with the opportunity to share knowledge and resources while working collaboratively to achieve joint goals. This has resulted in actions being progressed that have benefited both councils. A key area for noting is the processing and disposal of our residual waste. This cooperation has resulted in cost, resource and time savings for waste services. The council has seen an increase in recycling performance, eliminated duplication by working together collaboratively and increased operational efficiencies. In addition both councils have jointly developed solutions to key waste treatment issues such as the disposal of persistent organic pollutants whilst sharing lessons learnt and experience to support the implementation of key service changes. 4.9 Compliance with Landfill ban The Net Zero Cooperation Agreement has also ensured the council is compliant with the landfill ban on biodegradable municipal (residual) waste in advance of the December 2025 deadline. The waste is converted to usable energy through incineration. 4.10 Develop Waste Transfer Station This project has been paused as implementation of the Net Zero Cooperation Agreement has provided sufficient capacity and resilience. This will be monitored. 4.11 Deposit Return Scheme It is anticipated that the scheme will be implemented in 2027 and the service will continue to engage with partners to prepare for commencement. 4.12 Action plan for fit for the future review A number of actions have been identified to support improved efficiency of the service, improve the customer experience and to ensure that the service was prepared for future legislative and statutory requirements. A multi service working group was established to lead on the delivery of these actions which included the upskilling of the workforce, maximising the use of technology and undertaking route optimisation. 4.13 Implement a communication strategy The key action undertaken by the communication working group has been the engagement with residents to support the implementation of the prioritising recycling collection. This is an innovative approach to increasing recycling and information packs have been issued to all residents supported by a programme of social media awareness raising. Residents will continue to receive a weekly collection with priority given to recycling collection. A calendar has been issued and is available online to ensure residents are able to determine dates and collection type. There is also information included to support residents to recycle appropriately. 4.14 Create appropriate term waste disposal contracts
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There is approximately 17 waste disposal contracts utilised by the service to treat waste materials. The service is utilising feedback from the market and providers to shape service delivery. 4.15 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Fees paid by producers for packaging are now being allocated to local authorities to support with the cost of recycling waste collection and to invest in initiatives and infrastructure to increase levels of recycling. The first payments were announced in July 2025 and will be awarded annually depending on waste produced by each local authority. 4.16 Garden Waste Permits In Autumn 2024, the Council introduced a charge for the disposal of Garden waste. A full year delivery has generated in excess of 10,000 permits purchased and an income of around £600,000. 5. People Implications 5.1 There are no direct people implications arising from this report. 6. Financial and Procurement Implications 6.1 The Waste Strategy supports the implementation of the long term waste solution including the delivery of the operational efficiencies and improving recycling performance. 6.2 Delivery of the Waste Strategy requires consideration of available funding sources, both internally and externally, to achieve targets and actions. 6.3 Consideration is taken of the whole-life cost of the Waste Strategy and Action Plan with emphasis placed on the long-term savings made from reducing waste and efficiency improvements in waste collection. 7. Risk Analysis 7.1 All strategies are risk assessed in line with Council policy and procedures. 7.2 The Council has a duty to deliver services that demonstrate best value. 8. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 8.1 The Waste Strategy and associated actions are intended to work towards positive engagement with all equality groups and the wider community, via partnerships, empowerment and engagement within and outside West Dunbartonshire. Screening and impact assessments will be carried out on the action plan delivery as required. 9. Consultation
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9.1 A public consultation on waste was carried out via an online survey, receiving a total of 600 responses. The feedback has shaped the Waste Strategy, and particularly the communications strategy. 9.2 The trade unions have been consulted and are members of the waste project board. 10. Strategic Assessment 10.1 This report reflects the 2022 – 2027 Strategic Plan and in particular the following Strategic Priorities: Our resources are used in an environmentally sustainable way Our Council is adaptable and focused on delivering best value for our residents Gail MacFarlane Chief Officer, Roads & Neighbourhood 12 November 2025 Person to Contact: Gail MacFarlane Chief Officer - Roads & Neighbourhood gail.macfarlane@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: Appendix 1 – Key Actions Background Papers: Waste Strategy 2023 -2028 Wards Affected: All