3,000 homes in areas of Southwell, Lowdham, Lincoln Road and Hawtonville in Newark are now taking part in a food waste collection trial being run by Newark and Sherwood District Council as preparations continue for the introduction of separate food waste collections across the district in 2027.
The trial marks an important step in the Council's preparations for the countywide rollout of separate food waste collections next year. Newark and Sherwood District Council is one of only two councils in Nottinghamshire trialling the service, giving residents the opportunity to help shape how food waste collections will operate in the future.
Throughout the six-month trial, participating households will test different collection arrangements, including different approaches to using food waste liners. The findings will help the Council better understand resident preferences and ensure the future service is practical, effective and easy to use.
Residents selected to take part have received a 23-litre lockable outdoor food waste caddy, a 7-litre kitchen caddy and information explaining how to use the service. Some households have also received a starter roll of compostable liners as part of the trial.
Food waste collections are now taking place weekly, with participating households able to recycle a wide range of food waste items, including fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, dairy products, tea bags, coffee grounds, leftovers and plate scrapings. Food waste will be collected using secure, lockable outdoor caddies designed to keep waste contained and minimise concerns about pests.
The trial will also help residents play a direct role in creating renewable energy and supporting sustainable farming. Once collected, food waste is taken to a local processing facility where it undergoes anaerobic digestion. This process converts food waste into biogas for energy generation and nutrient-rich fertiliser for farmland, ensuring that leftovers are turned into valuable resources rather than ending up in general waste.
Following the trial, participating households will continue to receive a weekly food waste collection while the results are reviewed and plans for the countywide service are finalised.
Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:
It's fantastic to see our food waste collection trial now underway across parts of Newark and Sherwood ahead of the introduction of separate food waste collections across the district in 2027. This trial gives us a valuable opportunity to test different approaches, learn from residents' experiences and ensure we deliver a service that is practical, effective and easy to use across the district. Food waste currently makes up a significant proportion of material placed in household rubbish bins. By collecting it separately, we can turn it into valuable resources such as renewable energy and fertiliser, helping to reduce waste and support our environmental ambitions. We'd like to thank everyone taking part in the trial so far, as their feedback will play an important role in shaping the future service.
Households not selected for the trial will continue to receive their usual waste and recycling collections, with no changes to their service until the countywide introduction of food waste collections in 2027.
For more information about food waste collections and the Council's preparations for the 2027 rollout, visit the Council website: Food Waste Recycling Trial | Newark and Sherwood District Council