New food waste collections to be introduced

Under new Government legislation, councils in England must arrange a weekly collection of food waste for recycling or composting from all households by April 2026.

By April 2025, all businesses employing more than 10 staff must arrange for the separate collection of food waste.

Pendle Borough Council is already working towards delivering the new collection service, starting by asking what waste containers residents would like to receive.

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “Although this new food waste collection service will not come into effect until April 2026, we are already setting the wheels in motion and starting by asking for residents’ views on what kind of containers they would like.”

There is a choice of a single 23 litre outdoor caddy only or a 5 litre indoor caddy and 23 litre outdoor caddy.

David Walker, Pendle Borough Council's Assistant Director of Operational Services, added: “This introduction is part of a mandatory national scheme to reform recycling across England and will be a major step forward for recycling in Pendle.

“Residents will be able to recycle food waste, such as vegetable peelings and leftover cooked food and meat, rather than just throwing it into the bin.

“Firstly, we want to know what waste containers residents would like to use from the choice we are giving them. The result from the poll will determine what they will receive.”

Have your say here: https://www.pendle.gov.uk/caddy

The closing date is 20 August.

Councillor Zafar Ali, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, added: "Food waste is currently collected fortnightly in with general rubbish. We hope weekly collections will be a more appealing prospect for our residents, whilst also being better for the environment.”