Starting at the end of March 2026, local authorities across England will be required to collect food waste separately from households under new Simpler Recycling legislation. This means residents can expect to receive both a kitchen caddy and a kerbside container ready for weekly collections.
While attention has recently shifted to policies like the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), many local authorities still don’t have food waste systems in place.
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is the Government’s preferred method for treating food waste, ranking above composting in the waste hierarchy. The controlled process breaks down food waste in the absence of oxygen, producing renewable energy for the national grid, and a nutrient-rich biofertiliser for use on local farmland, reducing the need for costly and damaging chemical-based alternatives.
Beyond the renewable energy gains, AD also captures the methane emissions that would be produced by food waste breaking down in landfill. With UK households generating an estimated 6.5 million tonnes of food waste each year, AD offers a far more sustainable alternative to landfill or energy from waste (EfW).
Last year, BioteCH4 alone processed over 600,000 tonnes of food waste, enough to power more than 30,000 homes for a year.
The Government’s mandate for food waste separation isn’t just about compliance, it’s about the environmental and financial benefits for local authorities, businesses and households. The cost of delay is clear; rising greenhouse gas emissions, missed funding opportunities and the risk of limited infrastructure as the deadline approaches.
Local authorities have always had competing priorities and with significant future income hinging on successful EPR and DRS implementation, they have the potential to drown out the importance of food waste recycling in councillors’ minds. However, food waste collections and treatment through AD should remain central to a local authority's strategy, given the recycling and carbon benefits it brings.
In 2026 local authorities will be legally required to provide a weekly food waste recycling service to all residents in England, as part of the Government’s Simpler Recycling Scheme. Remember, introducing food waste recycling is not creating more or new waste, it is simply separating it, making it visible and therefore potentially reducing it.
Active planning and proactive consultations will pay dividends for the local authority, potentially reducing long term costs and service disruption.
It’s important to note that the capacity for food waste recycling may be stretched by the demand of new legislation. Despite the industry constantly evolving from the first commercial scale facility in the UK being built in the early 2000s, the AD industry has never experienced demand on this scale.
Due to this, the market is shifting. As more local authorities begin exploring contracts with AD operators, we’re rapidly moving from a buyer's market to a supplier’s one. With all this new waste to choose from, contracts need to be attractive to entice suppliers to bid. This includes having clear, concise requirements that are realistic with risk apportioned fairly.
Local authorities should take time to identify the right partner, one that aligns with their values, and is committed to supporting the roll out to residents. A supplier that truly works in partnership with council officers and members, offers guidance, shares expertise and takes a collaborative approach is essential to building a successful contract.
This sponsored article was originally published in the Autumn 2025 issue of LAPV. Sign up here to receive your free copy of future issues.
