In this week’s As I See It column, district council leader Paul Peacock discusses an upcoming food waste trial in the area…
Around 3,000 households in parts of Southwell, Lowdham, and Newark on Lincoln Road and Hawtonville are taking part in a new food waste recycling trial as Newark and Sherwood District Council prepares for the introduction of separate food waste collections across the district in October 2027.
The six-month trial began earlier in October and will help us understand how best to deliver this new service for residents ahead of its wider rollout next year. Households selected to take part received a letter from the council with further information, along with the equipment needed to get started.
Cllr Paul Peacock
While the practical details are important, the real purpose of this trial is to learn from residents and ensure we introduce a service that works well for our communities.
The Government has announced that Nottinghamshire councils must provide separate food waste collections from October 2027.
As a council, we want to make sure that when the service arrives across Newark and Sherwood, it is as efficient, practical and user-friendly as possible.
Rather than waiting until the countywide rollout begins, we’re taking the opportunity to test different approaches and gather feedback from residents now.
Importantly, Newark and Sherwood is one of only two councils in Nottinghamshire taking part in this early trial. That means we have a unique opportunity to shape how the future service operates locally and ensure decisions are informed by the experiences of our residents.
Food waste makes up a significant proportion of the material that is currently placed in household rubbish bins. Following a recent study of the household waste generated in the trial area, results suggest over 30% of the waste generated is food waste that could be collected separately.
By collecting it separately, it can be recycled and put to good use rather than being disposed of alongside general waste. Introducing food waste collections is therefore an important step in helping to reduce waste, increase recycling and support wider environmental ambitions.
However, this trial is about more than food waste. It’s about listening.
We want to understand what residents find easy, what challenges they encounter and what improvements could be made before the service is introduced district-wide.
The feedback gathered during the trial will help shape the final service design and ensure it meets the needs of local communities.
I’d like to thank everyone who has been selected to take part. By participating and sharing their experiences, even if they produce very little food waste, they will be helping us develop a service that benefits residents across Newark and Sherwood for years to come.
If your household is selected for the trial, please look out for your letter and take the opportunity to get involved. If you’re not taking part, there’s no need to do anything at this stage and your current waste and recycling collections will remain unchanged.
For more information about the trial and Newark and Sherwood’s preparations for food waste collections, visit www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/food-waste