Food waste from households across Lincolnshire will soon be transformed into renewable energy and fertiliser through anaerobic digestion, as new weekly food waste collections begin rolling out in early 2026.
The scheme will see unavoidable food waste diverted from general rubbish and sent to a local anaerobic digestion facility, where it will be broken down to produce biogas for energy generation and nutrient-rich digestate for use on farms.
From January and February, residents in the first areas to receive the service will begin to see food waste caddies and information packs delivered to their homes. The packs include guidance on how the service works, what can be recycled, and when collections will start locally.
The introduction of food waste collections forms part of the Government’s national Simpler Recycling reforms, designed to standardise recycling services and make them easier to use across England.
Lincolnshire County Council is working with district and borough councils to introduce the service in phases, meaning start dates will vary across the county.
Cllr Danny Brookes, Chair of the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership and Executive Member for Environment at Lincolnshire County Council, said the new service would deliver both environmental and practical benefits.
“Introducing food waste collections will help make recycling simpler and more consistent for households across Lincolnshire,” he said. “It also ensures that food waste is put to good use, creating renewable energy and supporting agriculture. Residents will receive clear guidance and everything they need to take part.”
Once the service begins in an area, residents will be able to place unavoidable food waste into a small kitchen caddy using the liners provided. The filled liner is then transferred into an outdoor caddy for collection, keeping food waste separate from general rubbish.
By separating food waste, councils aim to reduce the amount of biodegradable material sent to landfill or incineration, where it can generate harmful greenhouse gases. Instead, the waste will become a resource that supports the local circular economy.
The rollout will take place gradually, with the first collections starting shortly after caddies are delivered in early 2026. Other parts of Lincolnshire will follow later in the year and beyond.
