Issue

Food waste

6 stories · discussed at 1 council meeting · 6 councils

Councils are currently expanding food waste collection services, particularly to flats above shops, and implementing new borough-wide collection schemes.

Wandsworth's Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee met in September 2026 to discuss investment in waste and street cleansing services. Richmond upon Thames Council launched a new food waste service for flats above shops in March 2026, as part of its 'Roadmap to a Low Waste Future'. In the same month, Barnet Council approved its Food Plan 2026-2028, which includes sustainability goals. Barking and Dagenham Council decided in January 2026 to introduce new food waste bins for all households, with weekly collections starting in March 2026 and the service beginning in October 2026.

Several councils are expanding food waste collection services, particularly to flats above shops. Islington Council is expanding its service to flats above shops, aligning with a statutory requirement by April 2026, as discussed in November 2025. Kensington and Chelsea Council plans to expand food waste collection to all homes by March 2026, aligning with the government's Simpler Recycling policy, as discussed in September 2025. Wandsworth Council announced in December 2025 that its food waste collection had increased by 170% over 16 months.

Key facts

  1. Richmond upon Thames Council launched a new food waste service for flats above shops in March 2026. Source
  2. Barnet Council approved the Barnet Food Plan 2026-2028 on March 19, 2026. Source
  3. Barking and Dagenham Council decided in January 2026 to introduce new food waste bins, with weekly collections starting in March 2026. Source
  4. Wandsworth Council announced in December 2025 a 170% boost in food waste collection over 16 months. Source
  5. Islington Council is expanding its food waste collection to flats above shops by April 2026. Source
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.

Latest stories

  1. Richmond Council Launches 'Roadmap to a Low Waste Future' Initiative Richmond upon Thames Council is launching a new initiative to tackle waste and improve recycling rates across the borough, aiming to foster a low waste future. The comprehensive... Richmond upon Thames 26 March 2026
  2. Barnet Food Plan 2026-2028 Approved: Focus on Healthy Eating, Sustainability, and Food Security Barnet Council has officially approved the Barnet Food Plan 2026-2028, a comprehensive strategy aimed at fostering a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable food environment... Barnet 22 March 2026
  3. New food waste bins for Barking and Dagenham homes Barking and Dagenham Council is set to introduce new food waste bins for all households across the borough, with weekly separate food waste collections commencing in March 2026. Barking and Dagenham 22 January 2026
  4. Wandsworth Boosts Food Waste Collection by 170% Wandsworth Council has significantly increased its food waste collection, achieving a 170% boost in 16 months, equivalent to an additional 240 tonnes of food waste collected.... Wandsworth 13 December 2025
  5. Islington Council Expands Food Waste Collection to Flats Above Shops Islington Council is expanding its food waste collection service to include flats above shops, aligning with a statutory requirement for all local authorities to provide such... Islington 29 November 2025
  6. K&C Expands Food Waste Collection to All Homes by 2026 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... Kensington and Chelsea 16 September 2025