Food waste recycling
Camden and Bexley councils are currently focused on improving food waste collection services and increasing resident participation to meet national recycling targets.
In September 2026, Camden's Cabinet backed improvements for food waste recycling, aligning with national Simpler Recycling legislation which mandates food waste collection for all households by 1 April 2026. The Cabinet agreed with proposed officer actions, including targeted communications and rolling out fox-proof caddies. Bexley Council is also boosting its efforts with new campaigns and infrastructure, aiming to increase overall recycling rates to 65% by 2030.
Islington Council's Executive endorsed a report in June 2026 recommending improvements to household recycling and waste reduction. The report, from the Environment, Climate and Transport Scrutiny Committee, highlighted a plateau in recycling rates due to factors such as limited bin capacity, outdated infrastructure on estates, and difficulties engaging residents in privately managed buildings.
Previously, Islington's household recycling rate reached 33.9% in the first half of the 2025/26 financial year. This improvement was attributed to a comprehensive communications and engagement campaign and the rollout of food waste recycling services to more properties.
Key facts
- Camden's Cabinet backed improvements for food waste recycling in September 2026. Source
- National Simpler Recycling legislation mandates food waste collection for all households by 1 April 2026. Source
- Bexley Council aims to increase overall recycling rates to 65% by 2030. Source
- Islington Council's Executive endorsed a report on improving recycling and waste reduction in June 2026. Source
- Islington's household recycling rate reached 33.9% in the first half of the 2025/26 financial year. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.