WNC extends successful food waste service to flats ahead of 2026 national reforms

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is extending its long‑established food waste recycling service to residents living in flats.

The move comes ahead of the Government’s ‘Simpler Recycling’ reforms, which will require weekly food waste collections for every household in England by spring 2026.

Food waste recycling is already the norm for most homes across West Northamptonshire, helping to boost recycling rates and reduce the amount sent to landfill.

Recycling food waste at home helps reduce waste treatment costs, cuts carbon emissions, and turns leftovers into valuable resources like fertiliser and renewable energy, making it an easy way for residents to support a cleaner, greener environment.

Now, residents in flats are being brought into the same successful system with some important differences to the way their collections will be managed.

Communal food waste bins are being installed in or near existing bin stores wherever possible. In a small number of cases – particularly where flats have previously relied on sack collections and have no bin stores – bins might be located closer to building entrances.

To help residents get started, WNC is delivering a kitchen caddy to homes with a sticker showing what can and cannot be placed inside. This also includes a roll of 30 caddy liners, though householders can use any type of plastic bag should they wish.

A letter is also being sent ahead of delivery so residents knew what to expect, and full guidance is available on the website.

Cllr Nigel Stansfield, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste, said: “Food waste recycling has been a familiar and successful part of life for most residents in West Northamptonshire for years.

“Extending this proven service to flats is an important next step. As the country prepares for the Government’s ‘Simpler Recycling’ reforms this year, we want every resident, no matter where they live, to have access to a clean, straightforward and reliable food waste collection.

“We’re committed to making the service as easy and convenient as possible, which is why we will continue to review bin locations, improve signage and do our best keep residents informed every step of the way.

“Our aim is to help everyone recycle more, waste less and benefit from a service that has already made a positive difference across our communities.”

There will be no other changes to waste collections across West Northamptonshire as part of ‘Simpler Recycling’.