Food waste recycling rollout to flats in Swindon nears completion ahead of national deadline

Food waste collections were first introduced to the majority of residential properties in 2024. In June 2025, a rollout of the service to all flats in Swindon, in line with updated national guidance, began.

To prepare for a wider rollout, a pilot scheme involving around 500 flats was launched to test and refine the service for larger housing blocks. The trial has been deemed a success, helping the Council tailor the service to the needs of residents living in multi‑occupancy buildings.

Since the introduction of food waste collections in 2024, residents have helped the Council save more than £1m in unnecessary disposal costs. In total, more than £1.45m in potential waste costs have been avoided thanks to residents’ participation, preventing thousands of tonnes of food waste from being incinerated.

All collected food waste is sent to Codford Biogas, an anaerobic digestion facility where it is transformed into nutrient‑rich fertiliser for local farms and converted into biogas, generating sustainable green energy for the region.

Councillor Chris Watts, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “I would like to thank and recognise our officers whose incredible work means we have been able to deliver the full rollout to flats ahead of the national deadline. It is no easy feat and is something other councils have been struggling to meet.

“Every caddy filled is money saved and carbon cut and our residents are making a huge difference. This progress is thanks to residents in both houses and flats playing their part.

“The data shows that the food waste collection service we rolled out two years ago is delivering on our plan for a Greener Swindon, while saving money for local taxpayers. None of this would be possible without residents doing their bit every week.

“But we know too much food waste still ends up in black bins. Every tonne we divert to recycling saves more than £140 for local taxpayers, which is why I’m urging every household to make full use of the food waste service.

“Residents can recycle all cooked and uncooked food waste, from peelings and leftovers to meat, dairy and bread. Food waste caddies can be ordered through the Council's website and the Waste Wizard tool offers clear guidance on what can be recycled.”