Camden's Cabinet has given its backing to a series of improvements aimed at boosting the borough's food waste recycling efforts, aligning with the national Simpler Recycling legislation which mandates food waste collection for all households by 1 April 2026.
During a meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, councillors noted the response to a Cabinet Adviser report on enhancing food waste recycling and agreed with the proposed officer actions. The report considered ten recommendations designed to improve the council's food waste recycling service. These include implementing targeted communications, empowering local advocates, rolling out fox-proof caddies, and collaborating on policy changes.
Actions are already underway to address low participation rates in certain areas, test new communication materials, and expand the service to flats above shops. The wards currently being targeted for enhanced participation projects are Primrose Hill, Regent's Park, and Camden Town, identified through data as having low performing collection rounds. New communication materials, such as nudge postcards,
are being tested and evaluated. Evidence from a previous targeted programme in Camden Town, Regent's Park, and St Pancras & Somers Town showed a 23.5% increase in caddies presented and a 70% increase in tonnes collected after delivering 3,321 letters and engaging 246 residents.
Furthermore, ReLondon is conducting research on the effectiveness of London-wide versus hyper-local ward-based communications. Camden's Kilburn ward has been selected for a trial that will include posters, caddy labels, and targeted digital communications, with participation monitored before and after these interventions.
Veolia's first cohort of Neighbourhood Champions, recruited in March 2026, are being empowered to boost food waste recycling. These local advocates are planning outreach projects, including engaging residents at events, distributing leaflets and recycling bags, and connecting with university students. With a target of 50% of volunteers being estate residents, 10 out of the 20 recruited so far live on an estate or have a communal collection.
The expansion of the service to flats above shops is a key action aligned with the Simpler Recycling legislation. This rollout is being implemented in a two-phase approach, starting with wards north of the borough, then moving west and south throughout the remainder of 2026. This phased approach incorporates learnings from Camden's trial, recommendations from ReLondon, and insights from partners. Key learnings from the trial include offering a kitchen caddy to residents from the outset and providing local collection options, such as at libraries and outreach events, in addition to doorstep delivery. Ensuring Environment Services, Highways, and Veolia officers are present when determining suitable container locations is also considered essential for successful placement, combining area and operational knowledge.
Councillor James Slater, Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden, has been instrumental in driving these improvements. The Cabinet's decision means that the proposed officer actions to enhance food waste recycling will be implemented, contributing to Camden's commitment to resource efficiency and a circular economy, as outlined in the national Resources and Waste Strategy.
The Simpler Recycling legislation, part of the national Resources and Waste Strategy, sets out the long-term policy direction to preserve material resources by minimising waste, promoting resource efficiency, and moving towards a circular economy. It places a requirement for food waste collection for businesses with 10 or more employees from 1 April 2025, and for all households by 1 April 2026. Small and micro-businesses will be included from 1 April 2027.