New weekly food waste recycling service launching in March 2026

This new service from the Borough Council will not cost residents anything and is being mandated and fully funded by the government. Around half of the councils in the UK already successfully run food waste collections, and all areas in England will have a collection shortly.

From March, all borough residents will have food waste collected weekly on the same day as the usual waste and recycling collections. The food waste will be converted into renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions along with the amount of waste sent to landfill.

As part of the launch, every household will receive a kitchen caddy, a starter roll of liners, an outdoor food waste caddy, and clear instructions on what can and cannot be recycled. Residents do not need to take any action caddies will be delivered before the service begins.

Recycling food waste has significant benefits for both the environment and individual households. It helps keep bins cleaner and less full, and weekly collections will minimise unpleasant smells. Food waste makes up around 30% of the average black bin. Sending food waste to landfill releases methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more harmful than carbon dioxide. Recycling food waste instead generates biogas, a renewable energy source used to heat homes and generate electricity, making this a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution.

Lynda Hodgkins, Executive Member for Clean Neighbourhood Services, said: “We are excited to offer this new service to residents. Recycling food waste is a simple change that makes a big difference, reducing harmful emissions, generating green energy, and keeping bins cleaner and fresher. The service is free, easy to use, and will help make our borough cleaner and greener.”

Residents living in flats who share bin areas will have tailored arrangements, which will be communicated closer to the launch.

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For more information, visit our dedicated food waste page