North Devon Council sets date for big change to trade waste service

North Devon Council has confirmed it will withdraw its trade waste and recycling service, including refuse and recycling collections for businesses, from 31 March 2026. 

The decision follows a detailed review of the service, which councillors said was costing more to operate than it generated in income.

Council officers had warned last month that the shortfall could rise to more than £200,000 in 2026/27, describing it as a “millstone around their necks.” While some councillors stressed the service was valued, particularly by rural and small businesses, others argued that increasing charges could drive customers to private providers, who also offer food waste collections alongside refuse and recycling.

In a statement clarifying the decision, North Devon Council said: “Trade waste collection is not a service that councils are legally required to provide. Any losses from operating it must be covered by local taxpayers. Councillors were advised that continuing to operate the service would require significant additional investment.”

The council outlined the financial and logistical challenges, including:

• Replacing specialist collection vehicles at a cost of around £260,000, with new vehicles not expected until 2027.
• Hiring temporary vehicles in the meantime at more than £100,000 per year.
• Recruiting additional staff.
• Increasing charges to businesses by around 25 per cent to cover costs.
• Meeting a Government requirement to collect food waste separately, which the council currently does not have the capacity or appropriate fleet to provide.

The statement also addressed concerns from businesses about paying business rates, explaining that rates are collected on behalf of central government and are not a payment for specific services. 

Only a portion of rates is retained locally to fund statutory council services such as domestic refuse collection, street cleaning, housing, and temporary accommodation. 

Trade waste collections are a separate, non-statutory service paid for directly by businesses.

The council said it was taking steps to support businesses through the transition, adding: “Officers have already spoken to several private waste companies operating locally, and these companies have confirmed they are able to take on new customers. Their details are being shared directly within the letters that have been sent to all existing customers.”

Councillors stressed that the decision was not taken lightly and that letters are being sent to affected businesses to provide further information and ensure there is no interruption to waste services.