Kensington and Chelsea Council is set to expand its food waste collection service to all homes in the borough by March 2026, aligning with the government's Simpler Recycling policy. The council currently recycles approximately 24% of its waste and aims to increase this rate through the expansion of the food waste collection service.
The move aims to boost recycling rates and reduce waste disposal costs. Currently, 24,691 of 50,854 eligible kerbside households have been offered separate weekly collections, and 52 estates (4,216 households) have communal food waste bins, according to a report discussed at the Environment Select Committee meeting on Monday.
At the meeting, Cllr Gregory Hammond, Chair of the Committee, welcomed the update. Cllr Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Environment and Planning, said that the council is committed to having the Cleanest Streets in London.
Terry Oliver, Director of Cleaner, Greener and Leisure Services, added that increasing recycling is a key focus, particularly food waste. He noted that the borough's recycling rate is comparable to other central London boroughs, despite challenges like a transient population and limited garden waste. Oliver also highlighted that residual waste per household is decreasing, aligning with waste reduction goals.
According to the Public reports pack 15th-Sep-2025 18.30 Environment Select Committee, the council is working to address challenges in offering food waste collection to all households, particularly those with limited external space. For flats above shops, the council is exploring communal bins in bin storage areas and engaging with residents to find solutions. Trials are underway to find solutions for flats above shops and other properties without room for individual caddies. Communal food waste bins are being introduced at bring sites and estates.
The council aims to increase participation in food waste collection through a communications campaign, providing caddies and liners, and educating residents on proper waste disposal. They are also working to minimise contamination of recycling, which is currently at a low rate of around 10%.
The expansion of food waste collection is funded by the government as part of its Simpler Recycling initiative. The council anticipates savings in waste disposal costs due to the low gate fee at anaerobic digestion plants, where food waste is processed into soil conditioner and biogas.
