Slough Borough Council is set to expand weekly food waste collections across the entire borough following a successful trial in five neighbourhoods.
The proposal, which will be discussed at the Cabinet meeting on 17 March, includes a phased roll-out starting in November 2025, with full implementation across all households, including flats, by 31 March 2026. A private company will manage the collections on behalf of the council.
Successful Trial Leads to Borough-Wide Expansion
Since July 2024, a trial has been running in five areas—Britwell, Chalvey, Diamond Estate, Langley, and Colnbrook—where 5,100 properties received 5-litre indoor caddies and 23-litre outdoor caddies. The collections have successfully diverted 166 tonnes of food waste from landfill, reducing disposal costs and generating renewable energy.
Councillor Gurcharan S Manku, Lead Member for Environment, stated:
“Since the trial began, many residents have asked for the food waste collection service to be expanded. This initiative ensures that all areas of the borough have access to a sustainable waste disposal solution that transforms leftovers into energy, saving money and helping the environment.”
How Will the Scheme Work?
- Weekly collections will take place on the same day as general waste collections.
- Households and flats will receive indoor caddies and larger outdoor caddies (communal bins for flats).
- No special bags required—residents can use small bin bags, shopping bags, or bread bags for waste disposal.
- Secure, lockable caddies will prevent pests and odours.
Environmental and Financial Benefits
The food waste collected is transported to Trumps Farm in Chertsey, West London, where it undergoes anaerobic digestion—a process that converts food waste into fertiliser and renewable energy.
Financially, the scheme is a cost-effective solution for waste management. Each tonne of food waste costs the council £10 to dispose of, compared to £112 per tonne for general waste in grey bins.
What’s Next?
In addition to the borough-wide roll-out, the council plans to recruit two new recycling coordinators to promote and encourage greater recycling participation in Slough, which currently recycles only 25% of its waste—significantly lower than the regional average of 45%.
Councillor Manku urges residents to stay informed:
“I encourage everyone to keep an eye out for further details on when the scheme will begin in their area, how to take part, and what to put in their caddies from this autumn.”
This initiative marks a significant step towards a cleaner, greener Slough. Residents are encouraged to embrace the scheme and contribute to reducing waste, saving costs, and generating sustainable energy.
