RECAP Consultation between 1 December 2025 to 26 January 2026
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Waste Partnership (RECAP) work together to continuously improve waste services, increase recycling, and reduce waste, finding cost-effective and environmentally responsible ways to meet the needs of local communities. The partnership is made up of the Waste Collection Authorities and the Waste Disposal Authorities within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. A consultation on behalf of RECAP is being held to seek views on two documents relating to waste management within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
We are seeking views for the RECAP Resources and Waste Strategy from community representatives, residents, public bodies involved with the natural environment, as well as those with technical expertise involved in waste management, including waste processing, collection and disposal companies. We are also seeking views on the RECAP Design Guide from developers, their agents and all involved in the design, planning and building of new developments.
RECAP Resources and Waste Strategy (2025–2031)
The RECAP Resources and Waste Strategy (2025–2031) sets the strategic direction for the RECAP partnership, focusing on delivering sustainable and integrated waste management across the region.
This strategy responds to changing legislation and evolving responsibilities for local authorities. It covers the management of municipal waste (waste under local authority control), for example waste collected from households at the kerbside and at Household Recycling Centres, and recognises the wider influence councils can have on other waste streams, such as commercial and industrial waste.
Through collaboration, the strategy aims to:
- Improve service delivery despite increasing demand and financial pressures.
- Support the growing population with efficient waste solutions in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Key priorities include:
- Driving behaviour change to reduce waste.
- Introducing new collection services, such as food waste and film recycling.
- Planning infrastructure to support these services.
- Reviewing existing contracts and identifying areas for improvement to reduce waste, encourage more reuse, recycle more before resorting to disposal.
Note: This strategy does not cover the Private Finance Initiative Contract managed by Cambridgeshire County Council. Learn more about the Private Finance Initiative Contract here.
RECAP Waste Design Guide
The RECAP Waste Design Guide updates the previous policy document (adopted in 2012) and is aimed at developers. It provides clear guidance on the waste management infrastructure required for new residential developments, helping to avoid operational challenges experienced in the past.
The guide includes:
- Specifications for roads to ensure refuse vehicle access.
- Requirements for bin storage and positioning for efficient collection.
- Details on bin sizes and layouts.
This guide applies to local authorities within Cambridgeshire only (Peterborough has its own policy).
Use the following link to find the Consultation Notice, where the full details of the consultation are set out.
How to submit your comments
To make comments on the RECAP Resources and Waste Strategy (2025-2031) or RECAP Waste Design Guide please send an email to Recap@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Alternatively send your correspondence to:
Cambridgeshire County Council
New Shire Hall
Emery Crescent, Enterprise Campus
Alconbury Weald
Huntingdonshire
Cambridgeshire
PE28 4YE
A hard copy of the RECAP Design Guide will be held at reception in New Shire Hall (address above) if you wish to view it.
The deadline for comments is 11:59pm 26 January 2026.
