Food waste collections could be rolled out in city

A council is planning a £1.2m investment in food waste collections to boost its "historically low" recycling rates.

Brighton & Hove City Council could start collections from September, if plans are approved by its cabinet on 15 May.

In Brighton and Hove, about a third of household rubbish is food and drink waste, approximately 6lb (2.8kg) per household each week, according to the council.

Tim Rowkins, cabinet member for net zero and environmental services, said: "Getting additional materials, including food waste, out of the general refuse will improve our recycling rates. The food waste will be turned into compost for use in and around the city."

He added that recycling rates had been "historically low" compared to other local authorities, and that making it easier for residents to recycle more was a priority.

The cabinet will be asked to agree a phased roll out of food waste collection, expected to begin from September, and extended to all households by March 2026.

Mr Rowkins said: "We know how much our residents want food waste collections, so it's essential we introduce them as soon as possible.

"That's why we're investing £1.2m to fund the service, alongside DEFRA's capital funding for vehicles and equipment."

Kerbside collections will be made weekly, while communal food waste would be collected every day under the proposals.

The council has also been carrying out trials on expanding the range of materials in dry mixed recycling collections.

A spokesperson said plastic pots, tubs and trays such as yoghurt pots, fruit punnets and margarine tubs would soon be collected, with a date to be announced in due course.

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