Waste strategy: introduction

Scope of the strategy

This strategy sets out our approach to managing waste and recycling collections in a more sustainable way, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of waste in the New Forest.

This document replaces the our 2013 waste management strategy document.

The actions presented in this document will form our service priorities over the next 5 years, before review in 2027.

In its creation the following has been considered:

• how we will need to change our frontline services to better manage waste in accordance with the waste hierarchy, preventing waste, reusing materials and increasing recycling
• how new services can be delivered in the most sustainable way possible
• how we will work with residents and other stakeholders to make the future service a success
• how we work closely with Hampshire partners to develop implementation plans for the collection and processing of new waste streams
• how we will ensure all elements of our new waste service comply with government legislation and meet regulatory standards

Strategic objectives and actions have been developed and we will be working towards national targets, which, at the time of writing are to reach a 55% recycling rate by 2025.

It is understood that the government will develop further targets for waste management during 2022.

The strategy does not review arrangements for the treatment and disposal of non-recyclable waste, as we will continue to use the infrastructure provided by Hampshire County Council (HCC).

In addition, this strategy does not review collection of business waste in great detail, a review of the service will be carried out separately in 2022 to 2023.

Background papers and strategy documents

This strategy is the headline document which details what we are going to do over the next five years to manage waste and recycling in a more sustainable way.

The formulation of the objectives and actions within this document, has been driven through our commitment to deliver a service in line with the waste hierarchy, reducing our waste and increasing our recycling rate.

To ensure we make the best choices for the New Forest, the strategy has been supported by extensive research, engagement activities and technical studies.

In addition, the implementation of the strategy will be supported by further operational action plans and policies, which will mostly be developed after the adoption of this strategy.

The interactions between the headline strategy document and the background papers and action plans are outlined below.

The inputs are:

• national recycling and waste strategies
• Environment Act 2021
• national consultation reports
• joint municipal waste management strategy
• New Forest District Council strategy engagement
• New Forest District Council draft waste strategy document
• New Forest District Council equality impact assessments

The outputs are:

• waste and recycling collection policy
• waste reduction plan
• communications and engagement plan
• waste strategy implementation action plan

How waste is managed in Hampshire

We (New Forest District Council), are the waste collection authority for the New Forest. Our obligations form part of the wider waste and recycling infrastructure across Hampshire.

Project Integra (PI) is the name for Hampshire's waste partnership.

We are a waste collection authority (WCA). This means we are responsible for the collection of waste in the New Forest district. There are 11 waste collection authorities in Hampshire.

Hampshire County Council (HCC) are a waste disposal authority (WDA). Hampshire County Council, as the waste disposal authority, have responsibility disposing of waste in Hampshire, including the waste we collect in the New Forest district.

A waste disposal authority is responsible for disposing of the waste collected in its area, which in this case is Hampshire.

They also operate household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). Hampshire County Council provide all the councils in Hampshire with energy recovery facilities, composting facilities and material recovery facilities which sort the recycling collected in clear sacks.

Southampton City Council (SCC) and Portsmouth City Council (PCC) are unitary authorities. Unitary authorities are responsible for both waste collection and waste disposal in their areas.

Veolia is the main waste disposal contractor. Veolia operates the infrastructure as well as Hampshire's 26 Household Waste Recycling Centres. The contract between Veolia, Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council and Portsmouth City Council, runs until 2030.

The 13 authorities with responsibility for waste collection in Hampshire share some similarities in terms of how waste is collected, but there are also some key differences.

For example, New Forest is the only area in Hampshire operating a sack collection service.

A move towards increased synergy in line with forthcoming legislation should increase performance levels across Hampshire.

A Project Integra service comparison table can be seen in appendix 1.