Kirklees Together

Cabinet have approved nearly £3million of investment in initiatives, facilities and technology as we prepare to move into the next phase of our Waste and Recycling Strategy. The budget covers parts of the strategic delivery up until the end of 2025.

Councillor Will Simpson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees said:

“

Our Waste and Recycling Strategy set out a bold plan which will improve key services that matter to our residents and will take us forward in our ambition to become a cleaner, greener district.

These proposals will invest in those key services that touch every street in our district.”

Community Reward Scheme

The Cabinet has approved funding for the introduction of a Community Reward Scheme aimed at empowering communities to enrich their economy, environment, and wellbeing. Other ideas being considered are funding for the development of a Community Chest. This will provide small grants for practical items to support reuse and waste minimisation initiatives in the community and to incentivise reward schemes that focus on improving recycling rates.

Expansion of Reuse facilities 

The expansion of the existing Reuse facilities at the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) at Emerald Street in Huddersfield and Weaving Lane in Dewsbury will see a trial Reuse shop open in Huddersfield. This would enable residents to buy perfectly good items previously donated at the two HWRCs. During the initial trial period which began earlier this year, over 70 tonnes of materials have been donated. Funds generated from the sale of these items have gone toward assisting good causes in and outside of Kirklees.

Collection and distribution of pre-loved furniture 

Taking an innovative approach, we will be trialling a partnership with a third sector reuse organisation that can collect previously loved furniture items and distribute them to Kirklees communities with significant needs. The purpose of this new service would be to reduce numbers of bulky furniture items sent to landfill and associated disposal costs for us.

Community Reward Scheme

Another key part of the Waste and Recycling strategy is to improve litter bin facilities including on street recycling with a comprehensive in-house audit of all litter bins across the borough to take place.

On-the-go recycling

The approval of the funds will enable us to trial innovative solutions for on-the-go recycling, such as big-belly bins – large solar-powered bins that compact the waste inside – and auto-sorting bins, which are designed to separate different types of waste so it can be recycled. Both types of bin are designed for use in large footfall public places like parks.

Innovative technology 

Kirklees has had considerable success in prosecuting environmental criminals and wants to go further in strengthening its zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping. Cabinet have also approved further investment in new and innovative technology to tackle environmental crime.

Kerbside glass collection

Kirklees residents will be pleased to know that the return of a kerbside glass collection is being planned for with the trialling of various communal and business bins, as well as collection vehicles across selected areas of the district. The trial is set to commence later this year.