From spring 2026, Royal Borough of Greenwich will be expanding food waste collections to flat residents that currently do not have food waste recycling, making recycling simpler. There will be a phased approach in the rollout of the service and it will take a few months to cover all the flats in Royal Greenwich.
Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Greenwich Supports and Environmental Services, said: “We’re making recycling simpler for residents in Royal Greenwich. From spring 2026, we'll collect food waste for flat residents, to comply with the government’s national plan on Simpler Recycling. Flat residents will have a separate communal food bin for their food waste, which will help us all recycle more.
“We’ll deliver new bins to residents affected by the change. You will be able to use your food waste bin as soon as you receive it. By collecting your food waste separately, we can turn it into renewable energy and fertiliser, which will help lower emissions. It will also keep your black general waste bin clean and odour free.
“We’re committed to playing an active role in tackling the climate crisis and this is a key step towards a greener, more sustainable future for our communities.”
What’s changing?
- From spring 2026, the council will expand separate food waste collections to flat properties with communal bins in Royal Greenwich.
- If you live in a flat with communal bins and your food waste isn’t already collected separately, you’ll receive a small food waste caddy for your kitchen, and a large communal food waste bin.
- If you live in a flat and your food waste is already collected separately, nothing will change for you.
- New bins will be delivered to residents affected by the changes
By March 2026, all councils will need to provide separate collections for dry mixed recyclables and food waste as part of the government’s national plan for Simpler Recycling.
Learn more about the changes to food waste collections at royalgreenwich.gov.uk/flats-food-waste