Waste and recycling policy

Waste and recycling policy

1.0 Introduction

1.1 North Northamptonshire Council is committed to delivering a high-quality waste management service that ensures refuse and recycling provision is provided in an effective and efficient manner to maximise the opportunities for its residents to reduce and recycle their waste, whilst decreasing the amount of waste sent for disposal.

Effective waste management is essential for maintaining a safe, clean and sustainable environment for all residents. This Policy outlines the standards, responsibilities and procedures for the collection, recycling, and disposal of household and commercial waste within the North Northamptonshire area.

The council has developed these policies based on current working practices to ensure that, in fulfilling its statutory obligations as both Waste Collection Authority and Waste Disposal Authority, it provides waste management service that operates in a safe, timely and reliable manner that encourages responsible waste management practices amongst those that live, work and visit North Northamptonshire.

At a time when public sector funding is reducing and investment opportunities are limited, the positive action in response to these factors together with managing the ever-increasing volumes of waste, the effective provision of waste management services is vital. This can only be achieved with the support of North Northamptonshire residents by making them aware of their day-to-day responsibilities for managing their own waste in a considerate, responsible and environmentally sustainable manner.

The policy aims to:

• promote waste reduction, reuse and recycling
• provide clear guidance on the roles and responsibilities of residents, businesses, visitors and the council
• ensure fair and accessible services for all, including those requiring additional support
• minimise the environmental impact of waste management operations

Your actions make a difference.

North Northamptonshire Council carries out over 13.325 million frontline bin collections each year. In 2023/24 North Northamptonshire Council was ranked in the top 25% recycling performers across the UK*.

*Source - WRAP Local Authority Benchmarking Tool

Total Recycled 54,390 tonnes

Annual yield from Dry Recycling, Food Waste and Garden Waste.

• Dry Recycling 32,774.06 tonnes
• Garden Waste 18,272.92 tonnes
• Food Waste 33,42.64 tonnes
• Residual Waste 63,798.30 tonnes

2.0 Scope

2.1 The council has a statutory duty under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA), specifically, Sections 45 and 46. The legislation allows us to specify several requirements around waste collections including:

• specifying the size and type of receptacle to be used for the storage and presentation of materials to be treated as household waste and recycling
• specifying the size and type of receptable to be used for the storage and presentation of materials
• which materials should be placed in which container to ensure that the materials are treated in line with the appropriate disposal route to ensure reduction of organic material disposed of via non recycling routes
• where the receptacle should be placed for collection
• steps the householder should take to facilitate collection of waste receptacles where containers have become contaminated
• further engagement with householders if there is a failure to comply with the council’s requirements - this may result in modifications to how waste is stored and presented to mitigate any potential issues that would create a detrimental effect to the local environment or the safe working practices of the council’s waste collection teams

2.2 This document reflects the following provisions set out in Schedule 1 of the Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 which:

• provides a definition of waste to be treated as household, industrial and commercial waste
• defines household waste for which collection and disposal charges may apply

2.3 This policy aligns with the amendments made by the Environment Act 2021, which is otherwise known as Simpler Recycling, to the duties outlined in paragraph 2.1 which enshrines five main environmental principles that must be considered when policy making across England. These are:

• the precautionary principle - that if an action or policy has suspected risk of causing harm, in the absence of scientific evidence, a cautious approach is taken
• the polluter pays principle - the organisation or person that produces pollution, or waste should bear the costs of managing the material or mitigating the impacts of the activity
• the integration principle - ensuring that environmental protection is embedded in decision making
• the prevention principle  consider if it is better and cheaper to prevent pollution than remediate it
• the rectification at source principle - environmental impacts should be addressed at source to reduce any potential issues to spread

The UK Government introduced Simpler Recycling to make recycling easier and more consistent across England, so that everyone in England recycles the same material in the same way, whether you are at home, work or school.

2.4 The Environmental Protection Act also requires the council to provide places at which residents in its area may deposit their waste, referred to as Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) in North Northamptonshire.

2.5 These policies have been designed to meet our statutory obligations in relation to waste collection and recycling, the specific requirements of this are detailed in the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

3.0 Policy outcomes

3.1 The intention of this policy document is to ensure there are clearly defined policies and standards in relation to the collection and disposal of waste and recyclable materials and the operation of Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) by the council to avoid uncertainty for residents, visitors and businesses within North Northamptonshire.

3.2 The policies have been written to consider the waste hierarchy, whilst seeking to prevent waste production where possible. If waste is produced, re-use it, then recycle it, then recover it (e.g. for energy recovery) and finally dispose of it, whilst considering the new requirements laid under the Simpler Recycling directives

4.0 Waste and recycling policy

4.1 The policies are detailed in the Schedule to this document due to their length and complexity, as

follows:

• Schedule 1 - Waste Collection Services
• Schedule 2 - Household Waste Recycling Centres
• Schedule 3 - Other Waste Services

5.0 Next steps

5.1 Once agreed, the policy documents will be published on the council’s website to ensure that they are available for reference.

5.2 Any future communications around waste and recycling will incorporate key messages from the policies as appropriate.

Schedule 1 - Waste Collection Services

1.1 Bin provision

1.1 Standard service for individual domestic properties

The following types of bins are provided:

Only official council issued receptacles will be emptied. The council cannot service unauthorised containers.

The council is unable to empty split and damaged containers.

Residents should not modify containers; this includes but is not limited to:

• addition of locks
• addition of other fixings such as chains
• removal of wheels / lids or other integral components

1.2 Sack Collections

Sack collections will only be provided where the property is not suitable to accommodate wheeled bins or as determined by a council officer based on circumstantial need.

The standard kerbside collection service for households that remain on sack collections will allow a maximum of three sacks per collection (refuse and recycling). Requests must be made by completing an additional capacity request and will be reviewed annually.

Households that remain on sack collections will be delivered clear sacks for recycling and tags for residual waste sacks. The council does not provide sacks for residual waste. No other refuse sacks will be collected without prior agreement.

Residents with small gardens or who only produce small amounts of garden waste can purchase ad hoc sack collections from the council for garden material. We are unable to collect any other type of sack for garden waste.

1.3 Flats

Where possible, all flats should be allocated individual containers in line with the Standard Service. Where this approach is not possible council officers will seek to arrange a bespoke solution on a case-by-case basis. This may utilise a range of containment options for each waste streams.

Landlords have a responsibility to ensure that tenants comply with waste presentation and storage arrangements for their properties and should make adequate arrangements to ensure that all residents act responsibly.

For all new developments, developers should consider the provision of adequate waste storage and safe waste presentation for each dwelling. Waste management arrangements must not, under any circumstances become a focal point for anti-social behaviour.

Waste containers must not be stored on the highway under any circumstances and should be kept in such a manner as to prevent contamination or misuse from non-residents.

The capacity provided per flat will be as follows:

Residual waste: 140 litres for 1 bedroom or studio accommodation. 180 litres for 2 or more bedrooms

Recycling: 240l for all accommodation.

1.3. Food waste provision - flats

All properties will be offered food waste collections. Due to the smaller container size, most properties will be offered an individual container.

Where space limitations prohibit the standard service, officers will work with households to provide alternative arrangements.

1.4 Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO’s)

The council will only allocate waste capacity in line with the council tax status for each location. If a property is paying council tax, it will be allocated capacity appropriate to the council tax records e.g. a large dwelling split into apartments would qualify for a separate service for each council taxpayer.

Where a dwelling is registered and appropriately licenced as a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO), the landlord will be required to make suitable arrangements for any material produced that is in excess of the standard capacity allocation.

Where a property is subject to business rates, waste material arising from the location will be considered commercial and the landlord must comply with duty of care requirements to ensure commercial waste is properly moved and disposed of.

The council operates a commercial waste service and can provide individual quotations upon request.

1.5 Larger Households

For properties with 5 or more permanent residents or 2 children under three years old and using nappies, consideration will be given to providing additional residual domestic waste capacity free of charge, if required. Residents will be required to complete a declaration to allow officers to determine appropriate adjustments for those with exceptional waste needs. Each case will be assessed on an individual basis; a waste audit carried out and, if additional capacity is provided. This will be subject to an annual review and may be removed at any point if the arrangement is abused, or the property is no longer eligible.

Where additional capacity is granted due to children in nappies, this will automatically be limited when the oldest child reaches five and capacity allocations will be reset to standard. If the family arrangements are such that the household still qualifies for additional capacity, the family should re-apply for additional capacity.

1.6 Places of Worship

Waste and recycling arising from places of worship is treated as ordinary household waste and are entitled to the standard service as detailed in Schedule 1, section 1.1 and collected on the same frequency.

If the premise hires out such buildings to other persons not connected with the conduct of religious worship (e.g., playgroup, social events), this will be deemed a commercial activity and a charge for collection and disposal will be made or alternative arrangements with a commercial operator would need to be put in place by the operator of the premise.

Examples of premises which are classified as places of worship are Anglican churches, Baptist churches, Buddhist temples, Congregational churches, Evangelical churches, Jehovah’s Witness kingdom halls, synagogues, mosques, mission centres, Methodist churches, Roman Catholic churches, Salvation Army halls, United Reform churches.

1.7 Domestic properties also used for business

Waste produced during any activity for gain or reward, whether on business or domestic premises, whilst self-employed or working for others is classed as commercial waste. Waste which is generated by a business at a residential property will not be collected through the household waste collection service. A separate arrangement should be made for the collection of this waste through the council’s commercial waste service for which charges for collection and disposal will be made, or through a separate commercial waste operator. This includes properties being let as holiday or temporary accommodation where the landlord offers short term lets or stays to visitors.

Where domestic premises are being used for business purposes it will be necessary to ensure that the appropriate permissions and licences are in place prior to the council being able to accept commercial waste from those premises.

Where the premises is not opting to use the council’s commercial waste service, the council may, from time to time, require the premises to provide evidence that a commercial waste contract is in place in order to ensure the occupier is managing the containment and disposal of their waste in accordance with relevant legislation.

1.8 Childminders

If a childminder service is operating from any dwelling, the waste generated shall be contained within the bins and receptacles provided to the standard domestic service. If excess waste is generated beyond the standard collection capacity provided, then it shall be treated as commercial waste. A separate arrangement should be made for the collection of this waste either through the council’s commercial waste service, or another commercial waste operator.

2.0 Materials collected in wheeled bins / caddies / other services

2.1 Materials collected in the Residual, Comingled and Garden Waste bins

This information applies to all of North Northamptonshire

2.2 Materials collected in the Food Waste Caddies

Food Waste (23l caddy) - this can be contained within a biodegradable

liner or loose in your caddy

• Plate scrapings
• Tea bags and coffee grounds
• Raw meat and fish (including bones)
• Nutshells
• Fruit and vegetable peelings
• Eggshells
• Cooking oil and fats (oils soaked into newspaper)
• Leftover food / out of date or mouldy food

2.3 WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment)

The following small household WEEE items are collected:

• Hairdryers, hair straighteners, shavers, electric toothbrushes
• Kitchen appliances such as toasters, kettles, hand blenders
• DVD/CD players, radios, MP3 players and remote controls
• Clocks, watches, calculators and torches
• Telephones, cameras
• Laptops
• Small electrical DIY tools such as drills and electric screwdrivers
• Toys (remote control car or drone)
• Chargers

Items should still have the cables attached and all batteries removed.

Please leave any items for collection in a carrier bag by your wheeled bin on either your refuse or recycling collection day.

Only small household items can be collected such as those listed above.

Collections of WEEE currently takes place in the area of East Northamptonshire, with the intention of introducing the service across North Northamptonshire subject to resourcing and vehicle requirements.

2.4 Food Caddy Liners

There is no provision for food caddy liners. Residents can use a fully biodegradable compostable liner which are marked as meeting the European standard for compostable packaging - EN13432. These are available for purchase in local shops and supermarkets. Alternatively, caddies can be lined with newspaper.

3.0 Items prohibited from the wheeled bins, caddies in all areas.

Food Waste (23l caddy - where provided)

• Packaging of any sort
• Plastic bags
• Pet faeces
• Garden waste

4.0 Frequency of collection

4.1 Standard Collection Service for Domestic Properties

All wheeled bins provided on the standard service (see Schedule 1, section 1.1) are collected on an alternate weekly basis unless alternative arrangements have been agreed or for operational arrangements e.g., to facilitate Christmas collections.

Food waste caddies are collected weekly.

4.2 Flats

The standard collection frequency for flats is fortnightly (refuse and recycling), however, it is recognised that due to limited storage in some locations, alternative arrangements may need to be agreed. These will be assessed and agreed individually.

5.0 Collection point

Containers must be placed at the kerbside for collection. For the purpose of this policy, the kerbside is where your property meets the public highway. If properties are located down a private driveway / access road, then the bins must be presented where the private access road / driveway meets the public highway. Where a property is accessed by steps, this may create operational issues when moving containers. Where locations present additional physical limitations to the use of standard containers, a member of the waste team may make alternate arrangements to ensure safe and effective collections continue.

In a small number of cases due to the access or location of a property it may not be possible for residents to place bins near the public highway for collection. Each case will be looked at on an individual basis to agree suitable collection arrangements.

The containers must not be presented behind a gate or fence unless specifically agreed with the council for circumstantial reasons.

6.0 Collection time

Any containers must be placed at the kerbside by 6am on day of collection, unless the resident is eligible for an assisted collection. They must not be placed out any earlier than 6pm the night before collection. After emptying, they must be removed from the highway no later than 8am on the following day.

Our crews may work at all times during this operational window, and we are not able to accept a report a missed collection no earlier than 4pm on the scheduled collection day. The operations teams may on occasion change routes and individual collection times may vary from week to week.

In times of extreme weather or other unusual circumstances, the council may commence operations at 6am.

7.0 Collection Day

Information on your day of collection.

Any permanent changes to collection days will be notified to residents in advance of any changes.

8.0 Side waste

The following arrangements apply in relation to excess / side waste

8.1 Residual domestic waste:

Excess waste/side waste beside or piled on top of the residual bin will not be collected and will be recorded by the collection crew. Ongoing incidents of side waste may lead to further contact with the Waste Management team to identify any other issues that may be contributing to the mis-presentation of material.

8.2 Recycling

Additional recycling materials for the recycling bin will be collected as long as these originate from domestic activities i.e. are not a result of commercial activity. They should be presented in a clear sack next to the bin, or in the case of cardboard, flattened and placed next to the bin. Any excess waste put out for collection in sacks that are not clear will not be collected. If you regularly produce excess recycling waste, additional recycling capacity can be provided free of charge, you will need to contact us and complete a declaration form.

8.4 Garden waste

Excess waste will not be collected, except for real Christmas trees which can be placed next to your garden waste bin for collection. You must have an active garden waste collection subscription for the council to be able to collect a real Christmas tree.

8.5 Food waste

Excess waste is not collected. All food waste must be contained within your external food caddy.

9.0 Bin lids

For the safety of the public and the operatives, wheeled bins will only be collected if the bin lid is closed. This is also to limit the potential for waste to fall or blow out of the bin when it is being lifted by the bin lift.

10.0 Missed collections

We will only return for missed collections reported by the resident within 72 hours of your scheduled collection day. Reports must be made using the on-line reporting function or by phone to the council’s customer service team. The council will only accept a missed collection report when operational exceptions have confirmed this was missed.

Where a container has been recorded as overweight, not presented, mis-presented, contaminated, this will not be considered a missed collection and we will not return for these.

Any missed collections reported after this time will not be collected until the next scheduled collection day unless there are exceptional circumstances agreed at the discretion of the council.

Missed collections will be collected within 2 working days of the report being accepted as missed.

If the crew has reported the bin as not out at the time of collection or in the incorrect collection point, it is not considered a missed collection, and we will not return to collect it before the next scheduled collection day.

If the bin has been tagged or reported by the crew as too heavy, we will not return to empty it until your next scheduled collection day and the householder must have removed sufficient material to allow the bin to be safely emptied.

If the bin has been tagged or reported by the crew as contaminated, we will not return to empty until your next scheduled collection day and the householder must have removed the contaminated material for the bin to be emptied. Please see Schedule 1, section 11.0 for further information on contaminated bins.

11.0 Contaminated bins

The collection crew will tag and record contaminated bins. The resident will need to remove the contaminant and put the bin out for collection on their next scheduled collection day. We will not return to collect it before then. Where a resident continually contaminates a bin, the council will provide information and education to the resident. Should the issue continue, the council will consider restrictions and possible enforcement action.

The process for dealing with contaminated bins is detailed below:

1. The crew identify contamination - bin tagged and logged
2. Has bin been previously contaminated in last six months?

3a. If no, step 1 - inform and educate. General letter and information leaflet sent to resident explaining correct use of bin

3b. If yes, Step 2 - Warning letter. Further letter sent to property with information leaflet. Advise property may receive visit from Council Officer to provide education and assistance

4. Step 3 - If contamination occurs again Final Warning. Letter sent to property advising that if contamination continues the bin may be removed or other enforcement actions taken.

12.0 Bins left on street following collections

Where residents leave their wheeled bins on the street following collection and do not remove them in line with the requirements in Schedule1, section 6.0, the council will investigate. Any complaints received will follow the process below:

Where a complaint relates to a number of properties or areas, these will be tackled in a coordinated approach and planned in with other service priorities.

13.0 Assisted collections

Residents who are unable to safely move a wheeled bin container to the required collection point may qualify for an assisted collection by completing an application form. A decision on the application will be made by the council’s waste team. Where an assisted collection is granted, bins will be collected from an agreed location at your property, emptied and returned.

These collections are designed for those households that are unable to present their waste for collection for one of the following circumstances:

• Permanent Infirmity
• Temporary infirmity e.g. following an operation
• Physical impairment
• Lack of other available aids. e.g. assistance from neighbours or similar

Where appropriate, evidence may be requested to prove eligibility for the service. As the service is specific to the applicant, it will be necessary for the service to be periodically reviewed to ensure household circumstances do not change in a way that will affect eligibility. Residents no longer requiring assisted collections will be removed from the assisted collection list.

Residents that have someone who lives with them who can present the waste and recycling containers will be ineligible for an assisted collection. Information will be verified and, if false information has been given, the service will be removed with immediate effect.

14.0 Overweight bins

Where a crew member cannot safely manually manoeuvre and position a wheeled bin onto the vehicle, or where the vehicle cannot safely lift the bin due to the weight of the bin, then it will be left un-emptied.

Where any bin is found to be too heavy, it will be tagged and the householder will be required to remove sufficient material from the bin and dispose of it in a responsible manner.

Once sufficient weight has been removed, the bin should be presented on the next scheduled collection date. We will not return to empty the bin before the next scheduled collection date.

15.0 Damaged, lost or replacement bins / caddies

Any wheeled bin or caddy that is damaged or destroyed by the council’s equipment or staff, or vandalised by another party during their work will be repaired or replaced free of charge. The size of bin provided will be in line with this policy and may not be a like for like replacement.

Any wheeled bin or caddy that is intentionally damaged or destroyed by the property owner, or someone working on their behalf, must be replaced at their cost.

Bins and caddies will not be replaced if they are in a serviceable condition, and it is the householder’s responsibility to clean them. Private companies are available to offer this service should it be required. The council does not offer a cleaning service or clean bins, even if this was not the fault of the current resident.

Residual bins that are lost or stolen, will be replaced with a 180-litre container as appropriate, regardless of whether a 240-litre bin was at the property previously.

To encourage recycling and waste minimisation, replacement bins may not be new but refurbished and clean and appropriate for reuse.

17.0 Access issues

Where we are unable to access a road for issues such as parked cars, roadworks, building works, road closures etc. we will attempt to return and collect the bins when we next have a collection crew in the area.

18.0 Severe weather / extraordinary circumstances

During severe weather or extraordinary circumstances such as flooding or a local incident):

• We will continue to undertake the regular scheduled collection of waste wherever it is deemed safe to do so
• The decision on whether it is safe for a refuse collection vehicle to access a specific location or street will be determined locally by the driver of that vehicle - consideration will be made to road conditions, weather conditions, access, risks to public and the crew
• We will try to return and collect missed bins as soon as possible after the scheduled collection date - if this is not possible due to continuing conditions, we may suspend some collections to enable us to prioritise collection of residual domestic waste

19.0 Bulky waste collections

The council provides a chargeable bulky waste collection service to all domestic properties within North Northamptonshire.

20.0 Commercial / Trade Waste

Any waste from a premise used for the purpose of a trade or business is classed as commercial waste and will be subject to a charge for residual and recycling waste.

21.0 Waste from premises occupied by a club, society or other organisation

Waste from these premises is treated as commercial waste and charges will apply to the collection and disposal of waste and recycling.

22.0 Waste from residential care homes

Waste from these premises is treated as commercial waste and charges will apply to the collection and disposal of waste and recycling.

23.0 Waste from a University, school, or other educational establishment

Waste from these premises is treated as household waste. A charge for the collection and disposal of this waste is made as allowed under the Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 for waste and recycling.

24.0 Waste from Halls or premises used for public meetings (e.g., village hall, community centres)

Waste from these premises will be subject to a collection charge for waste and recycling.

25.0 Clinical Waste

Clinical waste is deemed as such by the Controlled Waste Regulations 2012 or by a medical professional such as a Doctor, Consultant or District Nurse. This waste may be hazardous to any person encountering it and, therefore, must be collected and disposed of appropriately. It will be necessary to secure a declaration from the individual or from that person’s medical professional to confirm that nature of the waste to ensure that it is handled correctly.

Cytotoxic waste is not considered to be Household waste and must be treated in accordance with paragraph 25.1 of this document.

25.1 Clinical waste produced by medical practitioners

We are not responsible for the collection and disposal arrangements of clinical waste within the council’s area, if the health authority is undertaking treatment of patients in the home. The health authority must ensure the necessary arrangements are in place for the collection/disposal of this waste themselves or by using a third-party contractor.

Where the council is invited to provide these services, charges apply to these clinical waste collections and cover the cost of collection and disposal of this waste.

Where a medical body requests the council to undertake a clinical waste collection on behalf of a patient, they must provide details for invoices to be sent, and charges will be made quarterly in arrears.

25.2 Clinical waste produced by residents

The council can offer a free of charge collection and disposal service to those residents that are self-administering their treatment and produce clinical waste, such as needles, in their home. A referral from the Health Care Authority will be required to provide the information needed to enable us to undertake the collections safely. This is to ensure the council has details of the types of waste to be collected and the likely hazards. Residents should source an appropriate sharps container for the containment and presentation of these items.

24.3 Clinical waste produced by a business

Any other waste arising from medical, nursing, dental, veterinary, pharmaceutical, investigation, treatment, beauty treatments and therapies, care teaching or research, or the collection of blood for transfusion, being waste which may cause infection to any person coming into contact with it, will be required to be collected as clinical waste.

Where the council is contracted to provide these services, they will make a charge at a commercial collection rate and will cover the cost of special disposal arrangements.

26.0 Hygiene / Offensive waste

Hygiene / offensive Waste is non-clinical waste which can comprise of sanitary towels, nappies and incontinence pads (known collectively as sanpro waste). This waste is not considered hazardous when it originates from a healthy population. Such waste produced by a domestic household should be triple wrapped and placed in the general waste container. If a large amount of offensive waste is being produced at a household, an additional general 180-litre bin may be supplied. The need for an additional bin in these circumstances will be assessed by an officer and each case will be looked at on an individual basis. The following circumstances will be considered:

• where one or more adults in the household have a condition that causes them to produce a large amount of incontinence pads, adult nappies, soiled clothing and bedding
• there are one or more children in the household with a medical condition that causes them to produce a large number of nappies, soiled clothing and bedding

Householders or carers are required to complete an application form before the additional bin can be delivered and proof of eligibility may be required, in order to have a record of why the additional bin is being supplied. Bins issued on medical grounds or for children in nappies will be reviewed regularly and may require a visit from an officer for assessment, if deemed necessary.

Schedule 2 - Household Waste Recycling Centres

1.0 Site Locations and Hours of Opening

There are four HWRCs in North Northamptonshire:

1. Corby
2. Kettering
3. Rushden
4. Wellingborough

All sites are open 5 days a week (2 days closed on a rota), all sites are open on a Friday, Saturday and a Sunday. All sites are open 10am to 6pm (summer and winter).

Further information relating to what materials are accepted, site restrictions, re-use arrangements and other useful information.

Schedule 3 - Other Waste Services

1.0 Charity Waste Recycling Permit (CWRP

The Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 define different types of waste. This legislation defines that waste from a ‘charity shop selling donated goods originating from a domestic property’ is classified as household waste; whereas waste from a charity shop selling goods from other sources is likely to be deemed commercial waste. To allow registered charitable organisations who operate shops within North Northamptonshire to deposit unwanted donations that have originated from domestic households, the council operates a Charity Permit Scheme. This scheme operates on a clear and formal application process and is available to the following organisations:

• Places of religious worship - including those belonging to the Church of England or the Church in Wales, or for other religions, properties certified under the Places of Worship Registration Act 1855, includes church halls and similar buildings provided they are used in connection with a place of public religious worship
• Charity shop - selling donated goods originating from a domestic property where the proceeds of the sales are applied for the purposes of a charity
• A community interest company - being a company which is registered as such and applying the whole of its income for charitable or public purposes
• A charity or other not for profit body - (a) a community interest company (being a company which is registered as such), or (b) a charity or other not for profit body, which collects goods for re-use or waste to prepare for re-use from a domestic property - but only to the extent that the waste originated from domestic properties

To be eligible for a Charity Waste Permit the Charity must provide the following:

• Evidence of exemption from local non-domestic rates
• A certificate confirming the Charity’s (or it’s contractor’s) registration for an Upper or Lower Tier Waste Carrier Licence
• A signed copy of charitable or other constitution, or a copy of registration as a Place of Religious Worship

Charities are required by legislation to comply with the Duty of Care with respect to waste under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This means that you or the company that you pass your waste to must hold a Waste Carrier Licence or an Exemption.

Under the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 all organisations are required to take all such measures as are reasonable to apply the waste hierarchy to prevent waste, and to apply the hierarchy as a priority order when transferring waste to another person. Waste hierarchy guidance. Where an organisation is not fulfilling its duties, the Environment Agency is empowered to issue a compliance notice requiring that steps be taken to ensure that the non-fulfilment ceases. It can also issue a stop notice prohibiting an activity until relevant steps have been taken. Failure to comply with one of these notices can lead to prosecution and a fine. A Charity Waste Permit is required for each vehicle visiting the designated disposal point. Permits may not be duplicated or transferred between vehicles.

All Charities registered on this scheme are required to advise the council if there are any changes in circumstances, for example drivers, contact details, charity status.

Waste types that cannot be disposed of at the sites include:

• construction and demolition
• maintenance or refurbishment
• office or packaging waste
• waste from garden or whole house clearances
• waste generated from donations from anywhere except domestic premises
• waste generated outside of North Northamptonshire

This list is not exhaustive. Charities are advised to contact the council to make an enquiry.

Reusable and recyclable items

The following reusable and recyclable items are accepted under the Charity Waste Permit Scheme:

• Clean aluminium foil
• Cardboard
• Mixed glass, bottles and jars
• Clothes, textiles and shoes
• TVs, computers and monitors
• Portable batteries
• Fridges and freezers
• Hard plastics
• Wooden items
• Electrical appliances
• Metal items
• Toys
• Re-useable furniture and bric-a-brac
• Paper and books

* Upholstered domestic seating can only be accepted for reuse (not waste) if it's in good condition with no tears and with the original fire label attached.

* Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating (WUDS) containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs). By law WUDs items cannot be mixed with other wastes and needs to be collected and treated separately to avoid contamination. The item must be kept whole where possible - any damaged parts must be taped up or covered in plastic sheeting to minimise the risk of textiles or foam escaping into the environment. For further information please visit the following website Identify and classify waste containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) - GOV.UK.

Waste items

Items that cannot be reused or recycled can be disposed of at a council designated disposal point within North Northamptonshire. It is the charity’s responsibility to ensure all items are pre-sorted. The staff at the designated disposal points have the right to refuse any items if they deem them to be non-compliant or present a hazard.

Applications

A charity permit application form can be requested via email to [email protected].

Last updated 28 April 2026