New food and garden waste services planned

All councils are required by law to offer a food waste collection service by March 2026

A food waste collection service is to be introduced for households across a county.

Herefordshire Council's cabinet is due to vote on what the service will look like, as well as a separate chargeable garden waste collection service, later this week.

The local authority said if both were approved, recycling rates could rise from 40% to 58%.

The current household waste and recycling services would not be affected, a spokesperson added.

All councils will be required by law to have a weekly food waste collection service in place by next March.

Herefordshire Council said it was still waiting for an announcement of government funding but was putting plans in place "to prepare for a smooth introduction of the service when funding does become available".

Under the proposals, all households would be given a small food waste caddy for the kitchen and a larger one for collection from outside.

The council was also considering offering a fortnightly optional garden waste service, which would be paid for by households.

It said it would replace the current green garden sack service and would also be brought in by March.

The new services are due to be voted on this Thursday.

Earlier this month, the council began allowing batteries and small electricals to be collected alongside regular waste.