Key Points:
- Havering Council’s new food waste collection service is expected to cost £3.8 million to implement.
- Annual running costs projected between £2.5 million and £3 million.
- Funding: Central government to cover £1.9 million, but council lobbying for more.
- Implementation date: October 2025, in compliance with March 2026 legal deadline.
- Infrastructure investment: New lorries, kitchen caddies, and outdoor bins for residents.
- Council leader Ray Morgon is appealing for additional government support.
- Strategic director Kathy Freeman highlights the need for adequate funding.
- Consultation launched in October 2023 to determine service logistics.
- Budget deficit of approximately £70 million further complicates financial planning.
- Kerbside properties to receive 5-litre caddies, while flats get 240-litre communal bins.
Why Is Havering Introducing a Food Waste Collection Service?
Havering Council has announced plans to introduce a new food waste collection service in compliance with national regulations, with an implementation cost of £3.8 million and annual maintenance costs of up to £3 million.
Set to launch in October 2025, the service will ensure the borough meets the government’s legal requirement for separate food waste collection by March 2026. The funding model remains a concern as the council seeks further financial support from central government.
How Will the Food Waste Collection Service Be Funded?
The council has secured £1.9 million in funding from central government, covering half of the setup cost. However, Havering Council leader Ray Morgon has stated that more funding is needed due to the borough’s already stretched resources.
“We’ve worked on the basis that we won’t get any additional money, so we are having to fund that within our own resources, which are quite clearly stretched at the moment,” said Cllr Morgon.
What Infrastructure Changes Will Be Made?
The initial investment will be used for:
- New collection lorries
- Kitchen caddies for kerbside properties (5-litre capacity)
- 240-litre communal bins for flats
The council’s October 2023 consultation provided insight into how the service would function in practice.
What Challenges Does Havering Council Face?
Aside from concerns over funding, Havering Council is struggling with a £70 million budget deficit. Strategic director of resources Kathy Freeman noted that while the council supports the initiative, securing adequate funding is crucial.
“Obviously, we are really supportive of rolling out the initiative because it should reduce waste overall, but we just need to be adequately funded for this new service,” she said during the budget briefing.
What Happens Next?
With the government-mandated deadline of March 2026, Havering Council must finalise its financial strategy and logistical plans. Cllr Morgon has confirmed that a letter will be sent to the government requesting additional support.
The food waste collection initiative aligns with national sustainability efforts, but its financial burden remains a pressing issue for Havering Council as it navigates a challenging fiscal landscape.
