Medway Developer Contributions and Obligations Guide
21.1 Background
21.1.1 Every household generates waste, making access to reliable waste services essential. Waste management is one of the few public services that affects every resident, every day. To maintain high service standards and meet statutory obligations, it is crucial that new developments in Medway are seamlessly integrated into the existing waste management system from the outset.
21.1.2 As a unitary authority, Medway Council is responsible for both the collection and disposal of household waste. The core aim of Medway’s waste services is to reduce waste generation, promote reuse and recycling, and manage waste in accordance with the waste hierarchy. These services are delivered through a comprehensive system that includes:
- Regular household waste collections from residential properties
- Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) for responsible disposal and recycling
- Bring banks for convenient recycling drop-off
- Street cleansing services to maintain clean public spaces and tackle litter and fly-tipping
21.1.3 In the 2024/25 financial year, Medway managed approximately 113,978 tonnes of waste. Of this, around 42,415 tonnes were sent for reuse, recycling, or composting—resulting in a recycling rate of 37.2%. These figures highlight the scale and complexity of Medway’s waste operations, as well as the growing need for robust and adaptable infrastructure.
21.1.4 As Medway continues to grow, new developments place increasing pressure on waste services. Developer contributions, secured through Section 106 agreements, play a crucial role in ensuring that these developments are properly serviced. These contributions help maintain a waste management system that is resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible, supporting both current and future communities.
21.2 Policy/Evidence Base
The Resources and Waste Strategy for England
Environmental Protection Act 1990
Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging 2025
Waste and Emissions Trading Act 2003
Household Waste and Recycling Act 2003
Clean Neighbourhood’s and Environment Act 2005
Waste Needs Assessment - Local Authority Collected Waste
Waste Needs Assessment - Commercial and Industrial Waste
Waste Needs Assessment - Construction, Demolition and Excavation Waste
Waste Needs Assessment - Hazardous Waste
Waste Needs Assessment - Scoping Review of Other Waste Streams
Waste Needs Assessment - Review of Strategic Waste Flows
Waste Needs Assessment - Capacity Assessment Overview
21.3 Additional Notes
21.3.1 Developers are invited to work alongside the council by making sure each new home is provided with adequate information relating to the council’s waste provision. Printed information can be made available to developers or their agents for onward distribution to new residents.
21.3.2 Developers are required to reference and adhere to the guide ‘Waste and recycling requirements for new residential developments in Medway’.
