Navigating changes to food waste collections
2 March 2026
The BBC reported this week that more than 25% of local authorities across England will miss the 31st March deadline for introducing food waste collections. This seems like a blow to Simpler Recycling ambitions of delivering consistent recycling services for every household and achieving a 65% recycling rate by 2035.
While – ideally – all English councils would be rolling out service changes in time to meet the deadline, this isn’t necessarily a hopeless (or surprising) situation. Of the 79 that will miss the target, 56 of these authorities claim to be on track to start rolling out food waste collections this year.
Why food waste matters
Food waste remains the most prominent material found in household rubbish, making up between 25% and 34% of the total material placed in rubbish bins. Capturing food waste significantly boosts recycling rates, can be used to generate renewable energy and nutrient-rich compost, and reduces disposal costs and greenhouse gas emissions when diverted from landfill and incineration.
Walking a financial and logistical tightrope
The reasons behind missing the deadline are complex, and in many cases, reflect the financial pressures that local councils find themselves under, contractual constraints, and delays in receiving the equipment and vehicles required.
With EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) fee revenue not currently ringfenced – and the New Burdens funding received for rolling out food waste collections was not enough to cover all costs – most councils are struggling to thread the needle of balancing the books while delivering compliant, efficient, and cost-effective services.
Quality data means quality delivery
In this context data is key. At Resource Futures we work closely with councils to provide them with the high quality and easily accessible waste data they need to inform what service changes are required, the financial implications involved (including revenue streams), and to ensure they secure the best EPR funding settlements from government.
Through the power of data, councils can make more informed decisions and reduce operational and financial risks of Simpler Recycling compliance now. This will mean they are better prepared for further regulatory change, including the introduction of deposit return schemes (DRS), and waste incineration falling under the Emissions Trading Scheme from 2028, which will increase waste disposal costs.
Looking at long-term success metrics
A wider point is that success is not only measured overnight: the value of this shift to mandatory food collections will be judged on whether there is a long-term, persistent reduction in residual waste and a corresponding upward shift in the national recycling rate.
Wales shows us that more consistent collections of a wider range of materials at kerbside – paired with effective resident communications to educate households and reinforce the right behaviours – can result in significantly improved recycling rates and reduced disposal costs. Even if it happens at a slower-than-ideal timeline, the service changes resulting from Simpler Recycling should be a big step in the right direction for English councils.
