Horsham District Council will introduce the new service in March 2026, aiming to reduce landfill waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions by recycling organic material.

Starting January 19, households will receive letters explaining the new scheme. The rollout will take place in phases, with starter packs delivered between February and April.

Councillor Jay Mercer, cabinet member for environmental health, recycling and waste, said: “We’re proud to be launching weekly food waste collections across Horsham District as part of our commitment to a cleaner, greener future.

“Thanks to the continued efforts of our residents, we already have some of the highest recycling rates in the country and I’m sure this new service will be embraced just as enthusiastically.”

Each household will receive a lockable outdoor food waste bin, a five-litre kitchen caddy, a starter roll of compostable liners, and guidance on what can be recycled.

Residents living in flats will be provided with a kitchen caddy and access to a shared external food waste bin.

The council estimates that food waste makes up more than 40 per cent of the average household bin in the district.

The average UK household throws away around £700 worth of edible food each year.

Cllr Mercer said: “By recycling food waste separately, we can significantly cut the amount of rubbish sent to landfill or other disposal sites, lower harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and make better use of our resources.”

More information, including details on what can go in the food waste bin, is available at horsham.gov.uk/foodwaste.

The new collections are part of the government’s Simpler Recycling reforms to improve national recycling consistency.

Existing refuse and recycling services will continue every other week, with food waste collected weekly on the same day as either recycling or general waste.

Residents are encouraged to check their collection calendars from January 20 to find out when the new service will begin.

Residents can also download the council’s mobile app for collection alerts, or use the online bin calendar tool on the council’s