North Tyneside Council has unveiled a new plan to reduce waste, boost recycling, and create a more sustainable borough over the next five years.
Building on recent success including an 11% reduction in waste levels since 2013, and 94% of collected waste being recycled or converted into energy—the plan includes important initiatives to improve sustainability and to deliver upcoming national legislation requirements.
One major change will be the introduction of separate weekly food waste collections for households by March 2026, which will be funded by the Government. This new service will use greener processing methods and increase recycling.
The council will expand kerbside recycling to include plastic film by 2027, aligning with national Simpler Recycling reforms.
Other initiatives include:
- New waste processing contracts to further increase recycling. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring businesses to help fund packaging waste processing
- The Deposit Return Scheme (from 2027), encouraging residents to return plastic bottles and cans for recycling
- An increased focus on the reuse and repair of materials
These measures, which were agreed at North Tyneside Council’s Cabinet meeting on Monday 17 March, will make waste management smarter, greener, and more cost-effective, helping to create a cleaner borough for the future.
Councillor Sandra Graham, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency, said: "Our Five-Year Waste Plan sets a clear course for reducing waste, increasing recycling, and preparing for major national reforms, including food waste collections in 2026.
“We’ve already cut landfill waste by 90% since 2008 and increased recycling by 8%, but there’s more to do. By working with residents to build a stronger circular economy - minimising waste by reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials - we can reduce our environmental impact and improve waste management for everyone."