It has been clear for some time that the implementation timetable for Simpler Recycling reforms in England would be challenging for a proportion of authorities. While councils are fully committed to delivering statutory separate weekly food waste collections, the time between final confirmation of requirements, funding allocations, procurement processes and operational mobilisation has been extremely tight and for some local authorities simply unachievable.
Rolling out food waste collections at scale requires new vehicles, containers, depot modifications, recruitment and training of crews, public communication campaigns and confirmed treatment capacity. Specialist collection vehicles and containers have had long lead times in many cases.
In most areas, treatment capacity and offtake routes for food waste exist through anaerobic digestion infrastructure, but securing contracts, renegotiating existing contracts and aligning mobilisation dates with collection roll-out has added another layer of complexity.
Gareth Rollings, Chair of LARAC commented:
“The majority of councils that do not already have transitional arrangements pre-agreed with DEFRA and are not live by the end of March 2026 have indicated implementation later this year. In many cases that is realistic, as procurement and delivery processes are already well advanced. However, delivery depends on supply chain certainty and continued clarity around funding and regulatory requirements.
Under the regulations, separate food waste collections remain a statutory requirement. Where authorities are not operational by the initial date, they are expected to move to compliance as soon as reasonably practicable, and some may be operating under transitional arrangements. The key issue now is ensuring that the policy ambition remains aligned with operational realities, so services are implemented in a way that is financially and environmentally sustainable.
Local authorities remain committed to delivering the reforms and the environmental benefits they are intended to achieve.”
LARAC (the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee) represents local authorities across the UK responsible for delivering recycling, waste and resource management services. As the sector’s leading membership body, LARAC works with government, industry and partners to support effective, practical implementation of waste policy on the ground.
Ends
For further information please contact Toni McNamara, Executive Director, on admin@larac.org.uk.
Twitter: @LARACspeaks
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/larac/
