As we approach the Simpler Recycling implementation date in England for domestic collections (from April 2026), there are a glut of issues that are converging, from implementing new collections (e.g. food, cartons etc) to amending processing (MRF) and offtake arrangements, and the associated contractual aspects of those. We are helping to deal with the former issues to one degree or another, for different Councils, however the other element that we are seeing rising demand for are TEEP assessments for collection systems. These are designed to examine whether there is a significant environmental benefit (of collecting fibres – paper and card – separate from other dry recycling materials) whether it is economically or technically practicable to do so, TEEP standing for Technically, Economically or Environmentally Practicable.

We are currently working on our tenth TEEP assessment under Simpler Recycling, we also delivered a similar number in the previous iteration of TEEP around ten years ago.

Key factors for TEEP will depend on whether you are looking at environmental impacts or economic ones, usually technical practicability has been demonstrated in one area or another in England, and so is less likely to be the focus of a TEEP assessment on domestic waste. This is different for commercial / trade collections.

If the focus is on environmental aspects, firstly consideration of the scope is important. If comparing (say) a single stream dry recycling collection with the government ‘default’ dual stream collection, then is provision of a second wheeled bin to households (and the carbon impact of making [X] thousand bins) to be considered? The effectiveness of the Materials Recycling Facility in both separating and finding suitable markets for the recyclate should be fundamental. Vehicle mileage / emissions are relevant for both carbon emissions and local air quality. How contaminants / rejects and residual waste are managed and materials capture are also important.

Whilst this sounds a substantial calculation it can be addressed quite readily using standard models (KAT, LP tool, WARM2 or eTEEP). None of these cover all the aspects mentioned above and we tend to use a combination – but that doesn’t mean it is too large a project, they can be quick and low cost.

Another aspect to consider is ‘Schedule 2’ premises, i.e. schools, places of worship, which, if collected as part of a domestic collection round could also be incorporated within the same principles of the domestic TEEP (if collecting in the same way and subject to the method employed in the assessment).

Commercial waste collections on behalf of the Council would usually necessitate a dedicated assessment, as firstly they tend to be on a separate fleet, which has a complex collection frequency, and secondly there may be waste storage implications that technically can inhibit certain materials separation options.

For advice and support on collection issues, modelling and TEEP please contact: sarah@frithrm.com tel. 01746 552423 or see what we do on www.frithrm.com or subscribe to our newsletter here