The report offered guidance to help plan, implement and improve waste collection services across the UK.
The latest update compiled insights from studies and pilots conducted by WRAP, providing support to councils looking to reduce food waste sent to landfill.
Following the introduction of mandatory weekly food waste collections, local authorities will be required to provide weekly collection of food waste from April 2026.
Updated FAQs on Simpler Recycling were released in May 2025, clarifying food waste collection frequency and workplace arrangements.
WRAP has suggested that this requirement will mandate considerable planning and investment by local authorities that do not currently offer this service. The guide has been designed to aid that transition.
It includes guidance on:
- Different collection systems, including separate weekly food waste collections and mixed food and garden waste collections
- Increasing household participation and engagement
- Delivering effective communication strategies
- Specifications for necessary infrastructure, including good waste caddies, liners, and external containers
- The best type of vehicle for collection
- Explaining the different technologies used to process food waste
- Analysis of food waste collection systems across the UK
Research from WRAP released in July 2025 revealed that household food waste decreased by 9% between 2021 to 2022, but the environmental action NGO warned that levels still needed to decrease to meet the UK’s carbon reduction ambitions.
Initially published in 2009 and updated in 2016, this guide has been designed for ease of use, offering a digital, interactive format and a summary version for local authorities.
Simpler Recycling
The Simpler Recycling legislation came into force in March 2025 and requires businesses with over ten full-time employees to separate dry recycling, food waste and residual waste.
From March 2026, the legislation will extend to local authorities in England and will also require them to provide the separate collection of dry recycling, food waste and residual waste.
Kerbside plastic film collections from workplaces and households will be introduced by 31 March 2027.
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