Food recycling to come into force from March 2026
Thousands of households in Walsall will be asked to recycle food waste from March 2026 when Government measures are put into practice.
Walsall Council recycling bosses confirmed the initiative will be in place and they are drawing up plans on how the service will operate once it is up and running.
They also moved to address concerns the authority would follow some neighbouring councils and introduce charges for garden waste collections should they not receive adequate Government funding to implement food recycling.
Weekly food waste collections is a statutory Government requirement although take up of the service from residents is voluntary.
The initiative aims to cut the amount of trash ending up in landfill, cut gas emissions and to use food waste to produce renewable energy.
The issue was raised by Councillor Pete Smith, independent member for Blakenall ward, who asked whether the public would be consulted on the plans and how it would work.
He also said: “Knowing how things work, the council probably won’t get any extra money to fund this service.
“So if this does come in and (the council) doesn’t get sufficient Government money in to cover extra costs, can we have an assurance that this won’t be at the expense of charging for the green garden waste service?
Councillor Kerry Murphy, portfolio holder for Street Pride, said: “The introduction of weekly food waste collections is expected to significantly reduce the amount of organic waste going to landfill.
“The new mandate will ensure all local authorities provide this service therefore providing a more sustainable waste management.
“As this is statutory requirement, there will be no public consultation on whether or not the service is introduced.
“Take up of the service is voluntary. As we develop our plans we will look to consult with residents and how to help them recycle their waste including food.
“Recycling rates are not where we’d like them to be so therefore it is essential we deliver this service in an acceptable, accessible and convenient way to encourage active participation.
“The service will be in place by March 2026 in accordance with the Government’s requirements. Cabinet will consider reports setting out the approach to be taken.”
She added: “As an administration, we don’t believe in charging for the green waste collection and we never have done. No, our residents won’t suffer for that regardless of what funding we get.”
