Department for Environment; Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Councils are implementing the Environment Act 2021's food waste collection mandate and developing new air quality action plans.
Redbridge Council is developing a new Air Quality Action Plan (2026–2031) to meet World Health Organization standards, following a motion passed in November 2025. The council noted a 40% reduction in Nitrogen Dioxide levels since 2018 and a halving of PM2.5 levels, exceeding 2028 targets ahead of schedule.
Havering Council decided in November 2025 to roll out weekly food waste collections by late 2026, mandated by the Environment Act 2021. The council secured £1.89 million in capital funding for vehicles, scheduled for delivery in September-October 2026. Newham Council also approved contracts for food waste caddies and liners in October 2025, aiming to roll out weekly collections by 2026 to comply with the same Act.
The Environment Act 2021 mandates all local authorities to provide separate weekly food waste collections to households by 31 March 2026. This initiative aims to increase recycling rates and reduce carbon emissions by diverting biodegradable waste from energy-from-waste treatment to anaerobic digestion.
Key facts
- Redbridge Council passed a motion in November 2025 to develop a new Air Quality Action Plan (2026–2031). Source
- Havering Council decided in November 2025 to roll out weekly food waste collections by late 2026. Source
- Havering Council secured £1.89 million in capital funding for food waste collection vehicles and containers. Source
- Newham Council approved contracts for food waste caddies and liners in October 2025. Source
- The Environment Act 2021 mandates weekly food waste collections by 31 March 2026. Source 1 Source 2
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. 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.