Weekly food waste collections coming to Lincolnshire in 2026

This comes as part of a government mandate to help households recycle more and reduce environmental impact.

The introduction of this new service follows national changes set out in the Environment Act 2021, which requires all waste collection authorities (local councils who collect your waste from the kerbside) to collect food waste separately on a weekly basis. It’s not a local decision, but a legal requirement aimed at improving recycling rates and sustainability across the UK.

City of Lincoln Council, as part of the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership, is working together with the county council and district/borough councils to ensure a smooth rollout across the county. While some areas of Lincolnshire will start receiving the service from March 2026, not all areas will go live at the same time. Individual start dates will be announced closer to the launch.

Households will receive two food waste caddies, one 5-litre indoor caddy (approx. 20x20x25cm) and one 23-litre outdoor caddy (approx. 30x40x38cm). Both caddies feature lockable lids, designed to keep odours, wildlife and rodents at bay, and their space-saving design means they can sit on top of existing bins if needed.

Your food waste will be collected weekly, using dedicated vehicles – so there will be no mixing with other types of waste. Full collection details, including what to do on collection day, will be provided alongside your caddies when they’re delivered.

Importantly, no kerbside waste in Lincolnshire currently goes to landfill. This food waste will be diverted from the Energy from Waste plant to a specialist anaerobic digestion facility, where it will be turned into biogas – a cleaner, natural energy source – and fertiliser used by local farmers.

Even if you compost at home (which is fantastic!), there are many items that can’t go on a compost heap. Please use your caddy for:

• All uneaten food and plate scrapings
• Meat and fish (raw or cooked) inc bones
• Dairy products
• Tea bags and coffee grounds
• Rice, pasta and beans
• Bread, pastries, and cakes
• Raw / cooked fruit and vegetables, inc peelings

Cllr Rebecca Longbottom, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place at City of Lincoln Council, said:

“The introduction of weekly food waste collections will make recycling simpler and more convenient for households across Lincolnshire.

"This is an important step in helping us all reduce waste, recycle more, and protect our environment for the future. Together, we can make a real difference and ensure Lincolnshire continues to be a cleaner, greener place to live.”

Executive Director of Place at Lincolnshire County Council, Andy Gutherson, said: 

"We’re really excited to be introducing weekly food waste collections across Lincolnshire. When this service reaches your area, we’d really encourage everyone to give it a go. Not only does it free up space in your general waste bin, but it also helps boost Lincolnshire’s recycling rates and puts food waste to good use. 

“Instead of being burned for energy, your leftovers will be sent to a local anaerobic digestion facility where they’re turned into clean biogas and nutrient-rich fertiliser for local farmers. It’s a simple change that can make a big difference – for your household, your community, and the environment."

To stay up to date with the latest food waste updates in Lincoln, follow City of Lincoln Council on Facebook.