Local Authority Food Waste Solutions
Helping to deliver effective food waste recycling services.
Local authorities have a central role in delivering effective food waste recycling services and supporting the transition to a circular economy.
With the introduction of Simpler Recycling legislation and growing expectations for environmental performance, councils are shaping how food waste is collected, managed, and communicated to local communities.
Responding to the Scale of the Challenge
The UK produces millions of tonnes of food waste each year, much of it arising from households and food-service activities. Kerbside food waste collections, where food waste is separated at source and collected separately, are recognised by WRAP and other authorities as one of the most effective ways to divert food waste from landfill and support recycling targets.
ReFood works with local authorities in a variety of ways, providing flexible solutions that fit different service models and rollout stages.
We can support councils by:
- Collecting kerbside food waste gathered by council teams and bulked at transfer points
- Receiving deliveries from local authority collection vehicles at our processing facilities
- Providing food waste collections for council-managed buildings, schools, and public estates
- Delivering commercial food waste collections on behalf of local authorities, working alongside existing council-run services where additional capacity or specialist support is needed
- Supporting new service rollouts as authorities adapt to changing legislation and recycling expectations
Our infrastructure is designed to handle food waste at scale, giving councils confidence that material is processed reliably and in line with regulatory requirements.
What successful food waste recycling relies on
Beyond collection and processing, successful food waste recycling relies on the following:
- Public participation and engagement
- Working with local communities
- Cooperating with expert authorities
- Making a positive impact on the community
Food waste collected is processed through anaerobic digestion to generate renewable energy and biofertiliser, contributing to a circular economy where waste resources are returned to productive use. The collected food waste allows councils to demonstrate tangible environmental outcomes from their recycling programmes.
We also provide clear reporting and data transparency, supporting internal monitoring and external reporting requirements.
For local authorities, food waste recycling is about more than compliance, it's about delivering effective public services, meeting environmental targets, and engaging communities in sustainable change. ReFood works in partnership with councils to provide dependable infrastructure and practical support as food waste services evolve.
Get Started with ReFood
A simple way to start turning your food waste into renewable energy.
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Get in Touch
Contact ReFood today via phone (0800 011 3214), email (info@refood.co.uk), or our quick enquiry form. Tell us about your business, food waste volume, and any specific needs (e.g., space constraints or collection frequency). Our team provides free, no-obligation advice tailored to your site.
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We Set Up Your Service
We design a flexible collection plan that fits your operations, whether it's clean bin swaps (sanitised 240-litre bins or smaller caddies), bag collections for tight spaces, or bulk options for larger producers. No bin rental fees, no hidden charges. We ensure full compliance with regulations, including Animal By-Product rules, and handle everything with traceability and hygiene in mind.
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Reap the Benefits
Your food waste is collected reliably on your schedule and processed through our closed-loop anaerobic digestion system. It turns into renewable energy (to power businesses and communities) and nutrient-rich bio-fertiliser for farms, diverting waste from landfill, reducing your carbon footprint, and supporting sustainability goals. Enjoy hassle-free service, transparent reporting, and the satisfaction of turning waste into a resource.
