Havering Food Waste Collection Delayed to 2026, Council Update

Key Points

• Havering Council’s place overview and scrutiny sub-committee will meet on November 4 to discuss the food waste collection service delay.
• The new food waste collection, initially planned to start in October 2025, is now postponed until October 2026.
• Delay is due to late delivery of specialised collection vehicles amid high demand from local authorities.
• The Environment Act 2021 requires weekly food waste collections by March 31, 2026.
• Council officers aim to synchronise delivery of collection vehicles with food waste caddies and liners.
• Potential phased rollout of the food waste service across wards over an eight-week period will be discussed.
• Other agenda items include HMOs and the school streets scheme.

What is the current status of Havering’s food waste collection service?

As reported by the Romford Recorder, Havering Council faces a delay in launching its new food waste collection service. Originally set to begin in October 2025, the rollout has been postponed to October 2026, as detailed in council announcements from September. This postponement contradicts the Environment Act 2021 mandate requiring all local authorities to provide weekly food waste collections to households by March 31, 2026.

The delay is primarily attributed to the late delivery of specialised vehicles needed for weekly food waste collections, a problem not unique to Havering but widespread, as several local authorities are simultaneously seeking these vehicles, creating supply challenges. The council had previously cited this issue as part of the postponement explanation.

Why is the food waste collection service delayed?

According to a council report set for discussion at the upcoming scrutiny meeting, the delivery of collection vehicles is now expected between September and October 2026. The report clarifies that the council is actively sourcing food waste caddies and liners to coincide with the vehicle arrival dates to ensure a smooth commencement of the service.

The Romford Recorder highlighted that the existing demand for these vehicles is high across various authorities in England, influencing Havering’s ability to roll out the service as initially scheduled. This supply bottleneck contributes significantly to the delay and necessitates a revised schedule.

How will the council implement the new food waste collection service?

The council meeting agenda includes the proposition of a phased rollout of the food waste collection service. Officers plan to implement the scheme ward-by-ward across Havering, staggering the process over an eight-week period to ensure manageable logistics and community adaptation. This phased approach aims to minimise disruptions and provide the council flexibility in addressing any operational challenges during the initial implementation.

Additionally, the meeting will review the coordination of equipment delivery, including the essential food waste caddies and liners, to match the vehicle launch timeline and support the weekly collection service efficiently.

What legislative requirements govern the food waste collection service?

The delay in Havering’s food waste collection rollout raises concerns related to the Environment Act 2021, which legally mandates local authorities in England to provide weekly separate food waste collections to households by March 31, 2026. Havering Council’s revised start date in October 2026 is several months after this deadline, potentially placing the council in breach of its statutory obligations.

The Environment Act aims to reduce landfill waste and promote recycling and composting of organic materials, reflecting broader government environmental targets. Havering’s postponed implementation creates uncertainties regarding compliance and may prompt additional scrutiny or enforcement measures.

What other issues will be discussed at the scrutiny sub-committee meeting?

Besides the food waste collection update, the Havering Council place overview and scrutiny sub-committee will address various community and policy matters on November 4. These topics include Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) regulation and the “school streets” scheme, which aims to improve safety near educational institutions by controlling traffic.

The discussion on these subjects reflects ongoing local government efforts to enhance neighbourhood safety, housing standards, and sustainability initiatives, underscoring the council’s broader community governance responsibilities.

What has been the response from local authorities and residents?

While the Romford Recorder has not detailed extensive public reaction, the postponement is likely to affect resident expectations, especially given prior communications about the October 2025 start date. Residents concerned about waste management will be watching the council meeting to gain clarity on the revised timelines and operational plans.

Infect Inspector Mark Connolly, who recently spoke in a different but related policing context for Havering, underlined the importance of community engagement and proactive advice, demonstrating the council’s overall approach to keeping the public informed. Similar transparency will be essential in addressing the delayed food waste service.

What is the council’s outlook and next steps?

Council officers are preparing to report progress at the November 4 meeting, providing updates on vehicle procurement and the planned phased rollout. The meeting will likely establish detailed timeframes and contingency plans to meet environmental targets and community needs.