Residents to begin to receive food waste collection letters across Hastings, Wealden and Rother

Residents in Hastings, Wealden and Rother will soon receive a letter confirming the date for their first food waste collection. 

Under the Simpler Recycling Regulations, the government requires all councils to collect food waste every week. Hastings Borough Council, Wealden District Council and Rother District Council are therefore implementing weekly food waste collections from the end of March. 

Food waste makes up around 30% of the average household rubbish bin. The weekly food waste collections will help reduce the amount of waste that is sent for incineration.

Collections will be introduced in phases from the end of March, so not all households across Hastings, Wealden and Rother will start at the same time. Because of this staggered rollout, it is important that residents do not begin using their food waste caddy until they have received their letter confirming their start date and collection day.

Each household will shortly receive a letter before their service begins, explaining when to start using the caddy and which day food waste will be collected.

Councillor Jo Walker, lead for Environment and Neighbourhood Wellbeing at Hastings Borough Council and Chair of the East Sussex Joint Waste Partnership, said, “We are pleased that very soon residents across Hastings, Wealden and Rother will be able to use the new food waste service. Once processed at Veolia’s composting facility, the food waste will be turned into soil conditioner that can be used to help plants grow. This will then be used by local farmers, and it will be available to buy from local Household Waste Recycling sites in East Sussex called Pro-Grow.”

Councillor James Partridge, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) lead councillor for Governance, Waste & Local Economy and leader of the council, said, “Please wait until you have received your letter before starting to use your food waste caddy, as the service is being introduced in phases across the district, and not all collections will start  at the same time. It is important not to use your caddy until you know when its contents will be collected!”

“This is a good thing that will help us reduce the amount of waste in our household bins. By separating food waste, we can reduce the amount of waste which is incinerated and make a real difference to the environment.”

Councillor Hazel Timpe, portfolio holder for neighbourhood services, tourism and waste at Rother District Council, said, “The introduction of a food waste collection service in Rother is a very positive move. It will reduce the amount of waste that is incinerated and help to protect our environment. 

“I urge all residents to please wait until you have received your letter informing you of your collection date before starting to use your caddy.” 

Trevor Elliott, Biffa’s senior business manager, said, “We’re pleased to support Wealden, Hastings, and Rother as weekly food waste collections are introduced across the area. This development will help households recycle more and reduce the amount of waste sent for incineration. We’re working closely with our council partners to help ensure a smooth rollout for residents. By separating food waste, we can all contribute to a more sustainable environment.”

For more information, visit our food waste page.