That Cabinet be recommended not to pursue access for Torbay’s residents to Devon Household Waste Recycling Centres at this time due to the risks outlined in the submitted report.

Torbay Council would not seek access to Devon’s Household Waste Recycling Centres at the current stage because of the potential risks to Torbay’s recycling performance and income streams, which could be negatively impacted by diverting waste outside our current systems and the anticipated financial and resource implications which although unquantified are likely to be significant.  The Council would instead continue to focus on improving its own recycling services and strengthening resident engagement.

Devon County Council officers have confirmed that the Brunel Road facility is currently operating at full capacity and consequently, the site does not have the operational capacity to accommodate any additional demand at this time.

There were no alternative options considered.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on 2 March 2026 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

At the meeting of Council on 11 December 2025, and following a Liberal Democrat amendment which was incorporated by Councillor Billings in his motion, a recommendation was made to Cabinet that the Director of Pride in Place be requested to explore with Devon County Council the possibility of enabling Torbay Council residents to access the Brunel Road Recycling Centre, Brunel Road, Newton Abbot, to encourage greater recycling and responsible waste disposal, and reduce fly tipping in Torbay and the surrounding area. The Director of Pride in Place and colleagues at Devon County Council subsequently held discussions and recommended not to pursue access.

At the Cabinet meeting, Councillor Billings proposed and Councillor Chris Lewis seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously, as set out above.

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