Hampshire County Council will consider proposals later this month to expand household food waste recycling across the county, establishing processing arrangements at two specialist local facilities for the first time.
The county council is set to examine recommendations for household food waste collections throughout Hampshire, with Cabinet Member for Universal Services, Councillor Kirsty North, scheduled to review the proposals on Monday 23 June.
The plans involve recycling food waste through anaerobic digestion, a process in which bacteria decompose organic material to produce beneficial by-products including renewable gas and organic fertiliser. This method represents the Government’s preferred approach for processing food waste.
Annual collection volumes are projected to reach between 30,000 and 50,000 tonnes of food waste from residential properties, all requiring appropriate processing facilities.
Councillor Kirsty North commented: “Hampshire residents consistently express their desire to increase recycling efforts, making it essential that we establish proper infrastructure to facilitate this. The proposed expansion of household food waste collections by Waste Collection Authorities throughout Hampshire represents excellent progress, with all areas expected to implement schemes by April 2026. Managing separate collections for this waste type will demand specialised processing capabilities, and I shall thoroughly examine proposals to address this additional requirement.”
These proposals align with Government Simpler Recycling guidance mandating all Waste Collection Authorities – including Hampshire’s district and borough councils, plus Portsmouth and Southampton unitary authorities – to establish kerbside food waste collections by April 2026. This forms part of broader reforms designed to create more consistent and efficient recycling practices across England.
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 its new service. Remaining Hampshire authorities will introduce food waste collections before the April 2026 deadline.
Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, and Southampton City Council hold statutory responsibilities as Waste Disposal Authorities to fund and provide suitable facilities for household waste recycling and disposal.
The proposals emphasise environmental and financial advantages of reducing household food waste. Research indicates approximately 25% of household bin contents comprises edible food that has been discarded. Residents can access practical guidance through Hampshire County Council’s Smart Living and Kitchen Food Heroes web pages.
Full proposal details are accessible via the County Council’s website.
