Walsall Council has approved a new food waste collection service, allocating £1.7 million to its implementation.
Starting in 2026, households will receive a small kitchen caddy and a larger kerbside caddy for weekly food waste collection. Properties with communal bins will also participate, with adjusted collection methods.
This move aligns with the Environment Act 2021, which mandates all local authorities to introduce food waste collections by March 31, 2026. Walsall Council’s early adoption positions it ahead in meeting these requirements.
A 2023 review revealed that food waste constitutes 40% of the contents in grey bins, amounting to approximately 28,500 tonnes annually. Notably, nearly a third of this waste remains in its original packaging.
Collected food waste will be processed through anaerobic digestion, producing biogas for electricity or vehicle fuel and creating fertiliser for agriculture. This method is more cost-effective than incineration or landfill disposal.
Councillor Kerry Murphy, portfolio holder for Street Pride, stated, “From March next year, we’ve got to bring in statutory weekly food collections. It is something we’ve got to do. Forty per cent of our waste that goes into our bin is food waste, and the government believes this will help improve the amount going to landfill.”
Councillor Mark Statham, deputy leader and portfolio holder for finance, added, “I wholeheartedly support and welcome the recommendations as set out in the report. It’s very good to see the operational plans way in advance of the service introduction.”
The council will now proceed with awarding contracts for the supply of caddies, waste collection vehicles, and food waste disposal services.