The Impact of Local Government Reorganisation on Waste & Recycling Collection Activities

As structural reform continues to reshape local government across England, Local Authorities are preparing for complex implications. One of the most immediate and operationally sensitive areas affected by Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is waste and recycling collection.

For councils, residents, and service providers alike, the road to unitarisation and reorganisation brings both challenges and opportunities.

The move towards fewer, larger councils (typically through the formation of unitary authorities replacing existing two-tier systems) is designed to improve efficiency, reduce duplication, and create clearer accountability.

However, for frontline services such as waste and recycling, merging policies, systems, and service delivery models can create significant upheaval.

The Push for Reorganisation

There are several reasons behind the current push for LGR, ranging from financial pressures to calls for more devolved powers. Worcestershire County Council , for example, cites a potential saving of £100 million over five years by moving to a single-tier governance model, streamlining back-office functions and simplifying local service delivery.

Similarly, Surrey County Council is advocating for the abolition of 11 district and borough councils in favour of a single unitary authority, highlighting the duplication in waste services, procurement, and customer contact systems as areas for reform. In Hampshire, a proposed reorganisation known as “Future Hampshire Solent” aims to improve service coordination and responsiveness by reducing fragmentation across overlapping authorities.

These reorganisations aim to modernise services, create efficiencies, and better align public service delivery with the expectations of residents. But as recent examples show, change on this scale requires careful planning and robust digital infrastructure.

Why Waste and Recycling Collections Are Impacted

Waste collection is one of the most visible and operationally complex services delivered by Local Authorities. In two-tier systems, district or borough councils typically manage waste collection, while county councils handle waste disposal. This division can create service inconsistencies, differing policies, and misaligned performance goals.

When councils merge or shift to unitary status, these responsibilities are consolidated. The newly formed authority must make strategic decisions about harmonising collection policies (e.g. frequency of collections, types of recyclable materials), aligning procurement contracts, and integrating fleets and staffing models.

In a previous article, we noted that “the consolidation of local authorities under unitary status represents an opportunity to review and optimise waste collection operations from the ground up.” However, without clear coordination, the process can just as easily result in service gaps, rising complaints, and increased operational cost.

Key Challenges for Waste Services During Reorganisation

1. Policy Harmonisation

Merging authorities often inherit different bin systems, collection frequencies, and recycling rules. A newly-formed unitary council must decide whether to standardise these services across the board (which can be costly and unpopular in the short term) or temporarily operate parallel systems, which can lead to confusion and inefficiency.

2. IT and Data Integration

Waste collection data, customer databases, CRM systems, and in-cab technologies must be integrated across formerly separate authorities. Without effective data management, crews may miss collections, KPIs may fall, and customer service complaints may rise.

3. Fleet and Route Optimisation

Consolidating waste services often means re-planning collection routes. Existing rounds may no longer make sense once authority boundaries shift or depots are merged. Planning efficient new routes requires up-to-date data and specialist software to avoid overlaps and empty mileage.

4. Staffing and TUPE Considerations

Staff from different councils may be transferred under Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE). Harmonising contracts, aligning shift patterns, and managing change in workplace culture can add complexity to the reorganisation.

5. Procurement and Contract Alignment

Existing waste collection or disposal contracts may vary in terms, suppliers, and end dates. Aligning these across a new authority can be legally and commercially complex, and any misalignment may delay the ability to make broader strategic changes.

Lessons from Past and Planned Reorganisations

The transition to unitary status in Buckinghamshire and North Northamptonshire has shown both the advantages and the pitfalls of reorganising waste services. In many cases, improvements in route efficiency and digital system integration have been realised, but only after considerable planning.

In the case of Buckinghamshire, multiple waste collection systems were merged into one unitary framework, allowing for a more coherent strategy, but also requiring investment in new bins, resident education, and route optimisation.

Upcoming proposals, such as those in North Yorkshire and Cumbria, are expected to follow a similar model. However, industry observers have pointed out the importance of allowing sufficient lead time to design and test new waste collection models before going live.

How Integrated Skills Supports the Transition

Integrated Skills has supported many Local Authorities undergoing structural change. Our solutions help clients navigate the logistical and data challenges that come with merging services.

RouteSmart Optimize, our advanced route optimisation platform, allows councils to re-plan collection routes that align with new authority boundaries and depot locations. Whether dealing with urban or rural coverage, RouteSmart ensures that routes are optimised for fuel efficiency, workload balance, and compliance with new collection policies.

Our SmartSuite in-cab technology integrates directly with CRM and waste management systems, ensuring that drivers are equipped with up-to-date instructions, including Assisted Collections and location-specific alerts. This is particularly useful when crews are asked to cover new areas or adapt to unfamiliar collection requirements.

In periods of reorganisation, when temporary duplication and public confusion are likely, SmartSuite helps maintain service quality and customer communication. Alerts, confirmations, and location guidance reduce the likelihood of missed collections, and the system provides data for ongoing performance monitoring.

Furthermore, our consultancy services offer support in modelling scenarios for merged services. We help councils understand the impact of different harmonisation strategies, from cost savings and staffing needs to service level outcomes.

Opportunities Ahead

Despite the short-term disruption, local government reorganisation represents a genuine opportunity to modernise waste collection and recycling services. Councils can reimagine their service delivery from the ground up, standardise best practices, and invest in more efficient, technology-driven operations.

With climate goals and waste reduction targets under scrutiny, reorganised councils can take a leading role in developing integrated sustainability strategies. This includes smart routing to lower carbon emissions, data-led planning, and service design that supports high recycling rates and low contamination.

The challenge lies in managing the transition effectively. That requires not just a vision for change but also practical tools and trusted partners to support the journey.

Conclusion

As more councils across England explore or implement Local Government Reorganisation, waste and recycling services remain at the heart of the discussion. For residents, these are vital council services. For officers, they are among the most operationally complex.

Reorganisation offers the potential for significant gains in efficiency and service quality. But to realise these benefits, Local Authorities must address challenges in policy harmonisation, data integration, route planning, and system compatibility.

With the right planning and the right technology partner, these transitions can succeed. Integrated Skills stands ready to support councils at every stage, ensuring that waste services remain resilient, responsive, and ready for what comes next.