Summary of the Lancashire draft strategy for consultation
A low waste Lancashire – Lancashire Waste Strategy, 2026 - 2036
We are updating our strategy for managing waste up to 2036. Our new draft waste strategy ‘A low waste Lancashire’ sets out the future direction for rubbish and recycling collection, management and disposal services for the whole of Lancashire, as represented by the Lancashire Waste Partnership. This waste strategy aims to:
- Provide an efficient, well-functioning waste system across the Partnership
- Reduce waste and improve recycling rates across Lancashire
- Deliver value for money for residents
The strategy will help the Councils to plan services for the longer term, taking account of future housing growth, responding to the needs of the community and other changes (like new laws and policy). It sets out a united, shared vision to reduce rubbish, improve recycling, and build a low waste Lancashire that benefits both people and the planet.
The strategy and its encompassing objectives, actions and targets were developed in partnership between all 15 participating Councils. The strategy is intended to be agreed amongst all Councils and it would continue to provide a clear foundation for decision making and policies following any local government reorganisation.
Our Vision -
Achieving a low waste and circular economy
To deliver our vision, the Lancashire Waste Partnership has set out the following objectives, grouped into three themes, as shown below:
| Theme | Objective |
|---|---|
| Achieving a low waste and circular economy A circular economy aims to keep our items and materials in circulation for as long as possible so that we get the most use of them. |
1) To recognise waste as a resource |
| 2) Actively support waste prevention and reduction to minimise the amount of waste generated across Lancashire | |
| 3) Encourage reuse, repair and share activities for the benefit of communities and the environment | |
| 4) Educate and engage with residents and businesses to help drive a reduction in waste and increase reuse and recycling | |
| Delivering high quality, good value local services | 5) Provide high quality, efficient and affordable services |
| 6) Identify opportunities to work in partnership between local authorities / community groups / the private sector and share best practice for a low waste Lancashire | |
| 7) To ensure services are accessible and meet the needs of the residents and businesses of Lancashire | |
| Reducing carbon and improving sustainability | 8) Increase recycling by providing services that are easy to use and include a wide range of materials (including food waste) |
| 9) Reduce the environmental impact and carbon emissions of the waste management service | |
| 10) To minimise the amount of residual waste being sent for disposal |
What’s included?
The draft strategy sets the scene on your waste collection and disposal services. It summarises how your waste service is delivered now, what (law and policy) influences your collection and how recycling and waste management services might look going forwards.
The strategy sets out how we intend to meet our vision of a ‘low waste Lancashire’. It includes five targets and associated actions which will deliver real improvements to the management of rubbish and recycling across Lancashire. We want to enable you, our residents and businesses, to reduce, reuse and recycle as much of your waste as possible. We want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to do the right thing, and we will do this by delivering accessible, efficient and sustainable services.
What do you think?
We are asking for views and feedback from our residents and communities, including businesses, that use, or are affected by the proposed strategy. The feedback obtained from our Public Consultation exercise will be used to develop our final waste strategy.
The consultation closes on 9 August 2026.
If you have further comments or wish to request a consultation survey in another format, please contact your Council.