Next summer will see a new food waste bin collection introduced to communities across Fenland.
As previously reported in the Cambs Times and Wisbech Standard, the national government has introduced changes to food waste designed to help residents recycle more and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
Cllr Steve Tierney, Fenland District Council's portfolio holder for waste, has described the move as a positive step and hopes the public will get behind the new service.
Fenland will be launching a free weekly food waste collection next June to meet new Government legislation, which requires all councils to introduce separate food waste collections from 2026.
The new service will allow people in Fenland to recycle their food waste for the first time, turning leftovers, peelings, and other food scraps into renewable energy and fertiliser for farmers.
It will also free up space in household green bins and, with weekly collections, there’ll be less smell from rotting food too!
Recycling food waste also reduces the environmental impact of sending waste to landfill, where food breaks down and produces harmful greenhouse gases.
The Government has provided full funding for the service – including for new collection vehicles and food waste bins – so there will be no strain on local taxpayers as a result.
RECOMMENDED READING: Three Fenland churches added to 'At Risk' list 2025
Cllr Tierney said the new food waste collections are a 'win-win'.
“We have a fantastic waste and recycling service here in Fenland, and these new food waste collections will make it even better,” he said.
“Around a third of the waste currently in our green bins is food waste – much of which can be recycled. By introducing free weekly collections, we’re not only meeting national requirements but helping people recycle their food waste in an environmentally friendly way while freeing up space in their green bins.
“The service is completely optional, too,” he added. “Residents can decide whether to take part, but we’re confident that once people try it, they’ll see how simple and beneficial it is.”
In preparation for the new service, households will receive two new food waste containers: a five-litre indoor caddy to collect food waste in the kitchen and a small 23-litre outdoor food waste bin, plus a roll of caddy liners.
The outdoor bin will be emptied every week on the same day as the current blue and green bin collections.
The roll-out of the service will be in two phases, with food waste collections for flats and other communal properties launching later, in winter 2026.
Further information will be provided in the coming months to help residents get ready for the new service. In the meantime, answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the Council’s website.
Share