Wyre Council is preparing to launch a new weekly food waste collection service for all households from 13 April 2026, supporting the Government’s national Simpler Recycling reforms.
These reforms, part of the Environment Act 2021, require all local authorities in England to introduce separate weekly food waste collections.
The introduction of food waste collections is a major step forward in reducing Wyre’s environmental impact, cutting carbon emissions and improving recycling rates across the borough.
Over the coming weeks, households across Wyre will receive:
- A 5L indoor kitchen caddy for collecting food scraps
- A 23L outdoor food waste caddy
- A roll of compostable liners for easy, mess free use
Some properties are currently being assessed for container suitability, and residents will be advised if a tailored solution is needed. Before the caddies arrive, an information leaflet will be posted to residents, explaining the changes and how to participate in the new service.
All cooked and uncooked food waste can be recycled, including fruit and vegetable peelings, bread, pastries, meat and fish (including bones), eggshells, plate scrapings, tea bags and coffee grounds. Please ensure the caddy contains no liquids or packaging.
Your outdoor food waste caddy will be collected weekly on your usual collection day. Please present it at the front of your property by 7am on your scheduled day.
Collecting food waste separately offers several benefits:
- Your main household bin will be cleaner and less full, thanks to weekly food waste collections.
- When processed through anaerobic digestion, food waste is converted into green energy and a compost like material used for improving soils.like material used for improving soils.
- Food waste in landfill releases methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide, significantly contributing to climate change.
- Food waste is around 70% water, meaning it requires more energy to burn if sent for incineration, recycling it is far more efficient.
Once collected, your food waste is taken to a facility where it is processed through anaerobic digestion. In this system, microorganisms break down the waste without oxygen, creating methane gas that is captured and converted into renewable energy. A compost like output (CLO) is produced at the end of the process, supporting land restoration and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
As part of the rollout, Wyre Council is offering free premium membership to FiveDinners.com for every household. This online platform helps residents cut food waste and save money with:
- Personalised weekly meal plans
- Ready-made shopping lists
- Affordable, quick and easy recipes
Communities already using the service have seen impressive results in reducing food waste and simplifying their weekly shop. It is quick and easy to sign up, simply:
- Visit the Five Dinners website
- Scroll down and select Wyre Council
- Complete the forms to get personalised meal plans that work for you and your family
Please check your junk mail for your activation email if it hasn’t come through to your mailbox. Once signed up, you’ll get instant access to your first personalised meal plan.
Residents can also find inspiration for using up leftovers at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com which provides creative recipes and everyday tips to help make the most of every bite.
Councillor Simon Bridge, Street Scene, Parks and Open Spaces Portfolio Holder said:
“Introducing weekly food waste collections is a significant step forward for Wyre. Not only will this help us reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, but it will also support residents in living more sustainably. By turning food waste into renewable energy and offering free access to meal-planning tools, we’re giving households practical ways to save money, reduce waste and make a real difference to our environment. We’re grateful for the community’s support as we move towards a cleaner, greener future.”
Full details about the new service can be found at: www.wyre.gov.uk/food-waste
For specific questions, please email the Waste Minimisation Team at: simpler.recycling@wyre.gov.uk