Hampshire County Council has approved plans to introduce county-wide food waste recycling from April 2026, with an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 tonnes of household food waste to be processed annually through anaerobic digestion.
The council has confirmed arrangements to establish comprehensive food waste collection services across Hampshire, utilising anaerobic digestion technology where bacteria decompose organic materials to generate renewable gas and organic fertiliser as valuable by-products.
Councillor Kirsty North, the County Council’s Cabinet Lead Member for Universal Services, expressed satisfaction with the decision: “I’m delighted to confirm these arrangements supporting the rollout of kerbside food waste collection services, which will significantly enhance our county’s recycling performance. This announcement follows my recent approval of proposals for a £50 million facility in Eastleigh, enabling residents to recycle an expanded range of plastics – including pots, tubs, trays, cartons, and soft plastic film – for the first time as we transform Hampshire’s waste management approach.
“Implementing dedicated food waste collections from all Hampshire households will ensure organic waste reaches anaerobic digestion plants for conversion into new products rather than being lost through disposal. This will also reduce contamination levels in dry recyclable materials.”
Food waste collection services currently operate in Eastleigh Borough Council, Rushmoor Borough Council, and Portsmouth City Council areas, whilst New Forest District Council is presently implementing this service. Remaining Hampshire Waste Collection Authorities will launch food waste collections between now and April next year.
These proposals align with the Government’s Simpler Recycling framework, mandating all Waste Collection Authorities – encompassing Hampshire’s district and borough councils plus the unitary authorities of Portsmouth and Southampton – to provide weekly kerbside food waste collections by April 2026. This forms part of broader reforms designed to establish more consistent and efficient recycling practices across England.
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Preventing food waste initially delivers superior environmental benefits compared to recycling. Research indicates approximately one quarter of household bin contents comprises edible food that has been discarded. Residents can access Hampshire County Council’s Smart Living and Kitchen Food Heroes websites for practical guidance on maximising food usage.
