Cabinet to consider revised start date for food waste collections

Cabinet members will consider the proposal at their meeting on 27 July 2026, following delays to the delivery of the specialist vehicle fleet needed to operate the new service. 

The council had previously approved the introduction of weekly food waste collections from November 2026. However, the supplier has confirmed that production delays mean the new vehicles will not be available until the end of November. 

The report recommends moving the launch to 1 April 2027 to ensure the service can be introduced in a planned and efficient way, while also aligning with the start of the council’s new Environmental Services contract. 

The proposed revised timetable also avoids introducing a major new collection service over the busy Christmas and New Year period, when waste and recycling crews are managing significantly increased waste volumes and altered collection schedules. 

Launching the service alongside the new Environmental Services contract will also avoid the need to vary the existing contract for a short period and prevent additional costs and complexities associated with TUPE regulations, allowing the successful new contractor to recruit staff and deliver the service from the outset. 

The introduction of separate weekly food waste collections is a statutory requirement under the government’s Simpler Recycling reforms and forms part of national plans to increase recycling, reduce waste sent to landfill and deliver environmental benefits. 

The council has already completed the procurement of the specialist vehicles and food waste caddies, while communications and delivery plans are being developed ahead of the service launch.  

Once Cabinet has considered the report, the council will update the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on the revised implementation timetable. 

If approved, every household will receive a 7-litre caddy for indoor use and a 23-litre for presentation on the kerbside each week, information about the new service and an initial supply of biodegradable liners before collections begin. 

Cllr David Page, Cabinet Lead for Neighbourhood Services, said: “We remain fully committed to introducing weekly food waste collections for residents, but it is important that we launch the service at the right time and in the most effective way. 

“The delay to the delivery of the specialist collection vehicles is outside the council’s control. By moving the start date to April 2027, we can avoid introducing a significant new service during the busiest period of the year for waste collections, while also aligning it with our new environmental services contract. 

“This approach provides the best value for money, avoids unnecessary contractual and staffing complications, and ensures the service is delivered successfully from day one. 

“Food waste collections will help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, improve recycling rates and support our environmental ambitions, and we look forward to bringing this important new service to residents next year.” 

The report Cabinet will consider can be found at: www.harborough.gov.uk/latest-updates 

For further details about food waste collections visit: www.harborough.gov.uk/info/20007/environmental_services/621/food_waste