Delay To Roll-Out Of Food Waste Collections Across Harborough

The introduction of food waste collections across the Harborough District has been delayed.

Harborough District Council had been due to launch the new service in November at a cost of around £1.3 million, to meet government requirements.

However, there is a delay in securing the specialist collection vehicles needed, with councils across the country competing for supplies.

The authority is also finalising a new waste collection contract, adding further complexity.

Councillors are expected to receive an update later this month, but Deputy Council Leader Phil King says it is too early to say when the new service will begin:

Pic: Andy Carpenter

A government deadline for all councils to introduce food waste collections by April was extended due to delays in sourcing specialist vehicles, which has also affected other authorities.

The service will eventually be rolled out to more than 45,000 homes across Harborough and residents will receive a 7-litre indoor caddy for day-to-day use between collections and a 23-litre kerbside caddy.

A council spokesperson said: “This item is due to be discussed at Cabinet on 27 July. We are currently finalising roll-out dates.”

A previous food waste recycling service was run by the council but was scrapped in 2012 due to low usage.

North Northamptonshire Council is also planning an expansion of food waste collections.

It will extend the service into areas previously served by Kettering Borough Council, including Desborough and Rothwell and a spokesperson said: “Changes are currently being made to food waste recycling so that the service is available across the whole of North Northamptonshire, harmonising with the service already in place in Corby and East Northamptonshire areas.

“The council is in the process of finalising delivery dates of vehicles with the current aim to launch the food waste collection in September 2026.  We’ll communicate with residents as soon as we have a confirmed date.”