New delay for food waste bin collections

Thousands of households face a longer wait for weekly food waste collections because of a shortage of bin lorry drivers.

South Norfolk Council had planned to send out new caddies and 23-litre bins to 40,000 more households ahead of the start of the next phase of the service which was due to begin this month.

However, the rollout, which is taking place in two phases, has now been pushed back until November to give the local authority more time to recruit and train drivers.

A council spokesman said the extra time would "ensure the service can be delivered reliably".

Councils are introducing weekly food waste collections as part of a government-led overhaul of recycling services in England.

All authorities were required to introduce the measures by 31 March 2026, but some missed the deadline due to delays in receiving specialist collection vehicles.

In Norfolk, Breckland Council sent out food waste bins this summer, but North Norfolk District Council has delayed its rollout until next February.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council also expects to launch its service next year.

More food waste bins stories:

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• New bin rules begin in England, but not all councils are ready

South Norfolk began its first phase of the scheme, covering more than 28,000 homes, on 27 July.

The second stage, involving 40,000 homes, had been due to begin last week, but is now scheduled for 9 November, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"The rescheduled date will provide additional time to recruit and train collection drivers, rebalance rounds and ensure the service can be delivered reliably," said the council spokesman.

"The delivery of food waste caddies will be adjusted accordingly."

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