Derby residents have diverted more than 1,430 tonnes of food waste from black bins during the first three months of the city's new weekly collection service. 

The service was introduced to meet new Government mandates under the Environment Act 2021 and the ‘Simpler Recycling’ reforms, which required all local authorities in England to launch weekly food waste collections by 31 March. Derby City Council successfully met the deadline by proactively hiring additional staff and sourcing temporary transport to ensure the service rolled out smoothly.

As with many councils across the country, implementing a service of this scale has presented challenges, including national supply chain pressures, sourcing specialist vehicles and containers, and establishing new collection routes. Thanks to the hard work of our teams and the continued support and patience of Derby residents, the service is now firmly established and already delivering significant environmental benefits.

On average, Derby residents are now recycling around 475 tonnes of food waste every month, helping to reduce the amount of waste sent for disposal, cut emissions and support Derby City Council’s Climate Change Action Plan. 

Collected food waste is processed locally at Severn Trent Green Power in Spondon, where it is used to generate renewable energy. 

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure, said:

The response from Derby residents has been fantastic. Recycling more than 1,430 tonnes of food waste in just three months is a significant achievement and demonstrates the difference we can make when we all play our part. The food waste we collect is transformed into renewable energy and agricultural fertiliser, helping us reduce our environmental impact and move towards a greener Derby.

I'd like to thank everyone who has supported the new service and encourage residents to keep up the great work."

Residents are encouraged to continue making the most of the weekly collection service by recycling all suitable food waste, whether cooked or uncooked, presenting their food waste caddy on their scheduled collection day, and ensuring only food waste is placed in the caddy to avoid contamination.

From banana peels and tea bags to leftover meals and plate scrapings, every item recycled helps generate renewable energy, produce agricultural fertiliser and reduce the amount of waste that needs to be disposed of.

Together, Derby residents are making a real difference for the environment and helping to build a cleaner, greener city.