Food waste collections coming to Brighton and Hove

Some residents have said they are concerned the scheme could worsen traffic

Brighton & Hove City Council has approved food waste collections in the city.

The new scheme, funded by the government and £1.2m from the local authority's budget, is set to be rolled out in stages from September.

BHCC said the scheme would help boost recycling rates – which are "historically low" in the city - by getting food waste out of general refuse.

Some residents raised concerns that food waste collections could lead to additional smells and traffic.

Councillor Tim Rowkins, cabinet member for net zero and environmental services, said at a council meeting on Thursday the waste would be stored in sealed containers and removed in 24 hours.

He added it would mean less smell and fewer vehicles.

About a third of household rubbish in Brighton and Hove is food and drink waste, approximately 2.8kg per household each week, according to the council.

BHCC said the food waste would be turned into compost for use in and around the city.

Food waste collections are set to be extended to all households by March 2026.

Kerbside collections will be made weekly, while communal food waste would be collected every day under the proposals.