Households across Amber Valley will soon see a new addition to their bins as the council prepares to introduce separate food waste recycling collections.
The scheme, which will see residents given small food waste containers, is expected to begin in June 2026 as part of a phased roll-out across the borough.
The change is part of a national effort to increase recycling and reduce the amount of food waste going to landfill.
Why the new bins are being introduced
The new food waste collections are being introduced following government recycling reforms known as “Simpler Recycling.”
Under the new rules, every household in England must have a weekly food waste collection service by 2026.
Currently, a large amount of food waste still ends up in general rubbish bins. Across the UK, millions of tonnes of food are thrown away each year, much of which could instead be recycled and used to generate energy or fertiliser.
Separating food waste helps councils recycle more material while reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions caused when food rots in landfill.
What residents will receive
Homes will receive a small kitchen caddy for collecting food scraps indoors along with a larger outdoor container for weekly collection.
The idea is simple:
- collect food waste in the kitchen caddy
• empty it into the outdoor container
• place the container out on collection day
Typical items that can go into food waste bins include:
- plate scrapings
- fruit and vegetable peelings
- meat and fish (including bones)
- bread and pasta
- tea bags and coffee grounds
- dairy products
These items will then be processed separately rather than mixed with normal household rubbish.
How the system will work
At present, many Amber Valley households have waste collected on alternate weeks, with general rubbish and recycling collected on different weeks.
When the new scheme begins, food waste will usually be collected every week, making it easier for residents to dispose of kitchen waste quickly.
The collected food waste will be sent to specialist processing facilities where it can be turned into renewable energy or fertiliser for agriculture.
Part of a wider Derbyshire rollout
Amber Valley is not the only council introducing the new system.
Local authorities across Derbyshire and the rest of England are preparing similar services ahead of the national deadline in 2026.
Councils have also received government funding to help pay for the new bins, vehicles and recycling infrastructure needed to operate the scheme.
What residents should expect next
Amber Valley Borough Council says further details will be released closer to the launch date, including:
- when the new containers will be delivered
- how the collections will work in different areas
- what can and cannot go in the new bins
For many households the change will simply mean keeping food waste separate from other rubbish.
While it may take a little getting used to, the council says the aim is to make recycling easier and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
Are Amber Valley’s New Food Waste Bins a Waste of Money?
Why some residents think it’s pointless
Critics argue that the system creates extra bins, extra collections and extra costs.
Common complaints include:
- more containers cluttering homes and kitchens
• concerns about smells and flies in warm weather
• doubts about whether the recycling actually makes a difference
Some residents also question why councils are investing in new bins and vehicles at a time when local authorities are facing financial pressure.
Others say that much of their food waste already goes into compost bins at home.
What’s your thoughts? Comment below
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