Kirklees Together

Last year we began examining our waste strategy as part of our commitment to tackling the Climate Emergency. Thousands of residents filled out a survey to give their views on how recycling and waste are dealt with across Kirklees.

Over 7,000 residents shared their views

The survey covered all areas of waste across the borough, from assessing the current provision to reviewing possible changes to the service. Over 7,000 residents shared their views, which is the largest response we have ever received for consultation. We will now use the responses to inform future changes to how we collect and dispose of waste.

When asked which items residents would most like to be able to recycle from home the top three were glass, additional plastics, and food waste. The desire to have additional recycling facilities at home is supported further as around 80 per cent of residents are in favour of a kerbside glass and food collection.

Both an extra bin for glass and the option for a glass caddy inside the bin had support, the survey also highlighted some areas where residents had concerns.

What happens next? 

We will now complete a detailed assessment on the responses before preparing a report for Cabinet approval on the next stages.

Councillor Naheed Mather, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said:

“Our vision is a clean, green, sustainable future for Kirklees with zero waste to landfill. With 91 per cent of residents agreeing that the way we collect and process waste should be the way that best minimises our impact on the climate, it is clear you share our vision too.

In the coming months we will be speaking to our current waste provider SUEZ, about how they can help us deliver residents’ ambitions which we’ll set out in our new waste strategy.

We are very grateful to the 7,212 residents who took the time to have their say about waste across Kirklees, your comments will be taken on board. Your feedback will help to shape our future waste strategy and help us to tackle the climate emergency.”

Councillor Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Greener Kirklees, said:

“Thank you to everyone who took part in our waste strategy engagement. Your feedback is essential to making sure any changes we make to our waste strategy reflect what you want.

We know that many of you are keen to be able to recycle more at the kerbside but the reduction of waste is just as important. To help residents reduce what they throw away, we will be launching online food waste workshops and providing reuse opportunities at HWRCs by trialling a new reuse shop in Huddersfield.”