OPINION: ‘A practical path to food waste recycling by March 2026’

As we approach the annual gathering of local authorities, industry professionals and suppliers at the LARAC Conference, Group Public Sector Lead from BioteCH4, Pamela Woolcock, urges local authorities to move now.

OPINION: The Simpler Recycling Scheme is an opportunity for local authorities to make lasting improvements to the waste management services they provide for their residents.

The Government’s stance on the legislation is that “by 31 March 2026, waste collectors must collect ‘food and garden waste separately’ as part of the new Simpler Recycling requirements”.

It’s now “not a matter of if, but a matter of when” (yes, a direct quote from Starlight Express for anyone who has seen the current run). The Government has finally confirmed deadlines and most (!) of the details, enabling many local authorities to make the leap to separate food waste collections.

For those still waiting, the time is now – it’s a golden opportunity for councils to overhaul their recycling services, driving up recycling rates and delivering better value for residents.

Treatment of food waste through anaerobic digestion

Firstly, it helps to define exactly what anaerobic digestion (AD) is.

Favoured by the Government as the most effective way of recycling food waste, on the face of it, AD is a straightforward process.

It breaks down food waste, in the absence of oxygen to create methane, which is then captured and converted into electricity or biomethane. The end product is a nutrient-rich biofertiliser which is spread on farmland surrounding the AD site. This product replaces use of artificial fertilisers on land – directly reducing the environmental impact and cost for farmers.

Time to act – Pamela’s top tips

• Secure your AD partner – Consider available capacity, contingency, and bulking/transfer options. Ensure your AD partner shares similar values, so the contract can stay in the cupboard!
• Timelines and contractual agreements – We’re rapidly moving from a buyer’s to a supplier’s market. With significant new waste to choose from, contracts need to be attractive to encourage suppliers to bid. This includes having clear, concise requirements that are realistic and apportion risk fairly.
• Education and behaviour change – In our experience, we’ve found that starting communication channels with your residents early allows you to understand barriers to success and adapt how your communications should be delivered for maximum benefit. It can also highlight some demographic specifics and feed into decisions on liners (always sparks conversation). Being able to have open and honest conversations with residents is key.
• Liners – Studies show providing liners to residents can increase capture rates by as much as 80%. That’s up to 2kg per household per week out of the expensive residual bin.
• The finer details – Understand what your AD partner will do in terms of both soft skills (comms and education to support) and operational service (coping with peak tipping times, contingency planning and risk management e.g. extreme weather, driver shortages, and the infamous Christmas peak.

Navigating the implementation challenge

While this opportunity is significant, we understand local authorities face real constraints, from budget pressures without ring-fenced government funding, vehicle and caddy delivery lead times, and regional differences in AD available capacity, to name a but a few.

However, these challenges don’t change the reality – March 2026 is a legal requirement. The authorities that go now, secure partnerships, and invest in resident engagement will be best positioned for success. You will find that once you have secured an AD partner, you gain additional support on the changes you need to implement.

Celebrate success!

It is important to celebrate your successes as you start implementing the above changes.

In 2024, we won the contract to process up to 50,000 tonnes of household food waste for Lincolnshire County Council as part of a county-wide roll out.

Prior to a single tonne of food waste being collected, we’ve hosted 8 site visits, worked with both district and county council teams helping to prepare them for the change, and supported with communication and education through a series of local and educational events, engaging with both children and adults.

This helps to gain engagement and participation of residents on the importance of recycling food waste.

Looking Ahead

Whilst I don’t hold a crystal ball, I can tell you that the trusted AD operators are ready to support you in your implementation and whatever challenges you may face.

The LARAC Conference and Awards in Birmingham is your chance to speak with me and many other experts and take the opportunity to stress-test your ideas or ask for support.

31 March 2026 isn’t just a date – it’s a chance for us to make the biggest positive change to waste management in England since EPA 1990. Successfully rolling out weekly food waste collections – it’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when!

Want to hear more from Pamela Woolcock? Join us at the LARAC Conference and Celebration Awards in Birmingham on 8-9 October 2025. Find out more and buy tickets here.