Food waste collections to launch in 2026
On Friday 18 July, Cabinet at East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) agreed proposals to introduce household food waste collections in the district.
Unused food and food leftovers currently make up about 30% of what is thrown away in each household’s refuse (green) bin and being able to recycle this will significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to be burned for power.
The food waste will be put into anaerobic digesters which break down the food and generate biogas (an environmentally friendly, renewable energy source) and nutrient-rich soil improver for farmers.
Councillor Robert Mocatta, EHDC portfolio holder for Regeneration and Prosperity, said:
“This decision will kickstart the process of introducing food waste across the district.
“The service will help reduce the unrecyclable waste that the district produces, ensuring that the food we don’t eat is put to good use.
“It will also help to highlight how much food waste we’re all throwing away and hopefully encourage an overall reduction in the carbon produced in the district.”
As part of the Environment Act 2021, food waste recycling is expected to be provided by all councils.
