Starting in June 2026, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council will introduce a food waste collection service for all residents. This follows the Government’s mandate for weekly food waste collections across England.
Current Waste Management
Currently, residents use:
- Burgundy bins for non-recyclable waste.
- Blue bins for paper and card recycling.
- Grey bins for glass, cans, and plastic bottles.
- Brown bins for garden waste (subscription-based).
The new service will add an indoor caddy and a 25-liter outdoor bin for food waste, collected weekly.
Food Waste Statistics
Residents produce about 14,000 tonnes of food waste annually. Over 40% of burgundy bin contents are food, half of which is still edible or in date.
Benefits of Collection
The council aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and convert food waste into compost, fertilizer, and energy. Reducing food waste could save households money.
Implementation
By June 2026, each household will receive a kitchen caddy, liners, and an outdoor bin with a locking lid. Businesses with 10 or more employees must arrange food waste collection by April 2025, with smaller businesses complying by 2027.
Funding
The Government has allocated £1,157,421 for the initiative, covering kitchen caddies, food waste bins, communal containers, and collection vehicles. Additional funding has been requested.
Council Statement
Councillor Jim Smith emphasized the importance of the initiative for improving waste management and addressing climate issues. Detailed information will be provided to residents before the rollout.
