Weekly food waste collections to launch across Southampton

Weekly food waste collections will begin across Southampton from Monday 9 February 2026, as part of a national programme requiring councils to introduce separate food waste collections under new Government waste reforms.

The service will be rolled out in phases for households with individual wheelie bins. Phase 1 will begin on Monday 9 February, followed by Phase 2 on Monday 9 March and Phase 3 on Monday 6 April. Phase 4, which will include the majority of flats with communal bin stores or shared waste areas, will be introduced later in the spring.

Residents are able to check when food waste collections will start for their address using the council’s online postcode look-up tool.

The introduction of the service is being supported by Government grant funding, which is helping to cover initial set-up costs, including the purchase of containers and new collection vehicles.

Every household will receive a small five-litre kitchen caddy and a larger 23-litre outdoor food waste bin. Most flats will use communal food waste bins. Food waste will be collected weekly, helping to keep waste hygienic and reduce odours. The outdoor bins are sealed and lockable, with residents placing the contents of their indoor caddy directly into the outdoor bin.

The council has also invested in a fleet of new food waste collection vehicles, with food waste being prioritised as part of Southampton’s wider waste and recycling operations.

Recycling food waste will help reduce the amount of waste sent for incineration, lower harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure food scraps are put to better use. Collected food waste can be converted into biogas for energy generation and fertiliser.

The new collections support the council’s City Plan commitments to create a cleaner, greener Southampton, reduce carbon emissions, improve neighbourhoods, and deliver efficient and reliable services for residents.

Councillor John Savage, Cabinet Member for Environment and Net Zero, said:
“Weekly food waste collections are being introduced across Southampton as part of a national programme, supported by government funding. This new service makes it easier for residents to recycle food waste, cut down on what goes in general waste bins, and play a direct role in reducing our environmental impact. By getting involved, residents can help make Southampton a cleaner, greener city and support the priorities set out in our City Plan.”

Further information, rollout updates and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the council’s food waste webpages.