The Council, in its role as Waste Planning Authority, is required under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to prepare a Waste Local Plan. This should address the land-use aspects of waste management.

As a result of Local Government Review (April 1998) Torbay Council inherited responsibilities as the Waste Planning Authority (WPA), in addition to its existing role as the Waste Collection Authority (WCA). It also became the Mineral Planning Authority (MPA). These responsibilities mean that the Council is responsible for balancing the conservation of the environment and resources with human health and best value.

Waste policies are currently set out in the Waste & Minerals Chapter of the Adopted Torbay Local Plan (1995-2011). These policies deal with the land use implications of the production, collection, reprocessing and disposal of waste in Torbay, including that generated by businesses and the construction industry, in addition to what is produced by households. The Plan seeks to balance the need to establish waste management facilities with the need to protect the environment.

The Municipal Waste Management Strategy for Torbay sets a framework for the future management of Torbay's waste. The strategy contains policies on waste minimisation, recycling, treatment and disposal and addresses the challenges of reducing waste growth, meeting recycling targets and reducing the amount of waste we send to landfill. Following extensive consultation on the draft strategy, the Municipal Waste Management Strategy for Torbay is due to be adopted in Spring 2008. The adopted strategy will inform the spatial planning policies relating to waste management within the emerging Local Development Framework. For further information, please see the related Waste Management Strategy webpage.