This guide provides local authorities with practical guidance on introducing and improving household food waste collection services as a means of diverting organic material from landfill and residual waste treatment. Originally published in 2009 and updated in 2016, this latest 2025 edition incorporates findings from more recent WRAP research, trials and sector experience, reflecting evolving policy requirements and operational learning.
The guide outlines the main service design options for collecting food waste, including container systems, collection frequencies and integration with other waste streams. It highlights key planning considerations such as infrastructure needs, vehicle and crew requirements, procurement approaches, and contract management. Operational challenges, including contamination, participation levels, seasonal variations and performance monitoring, are addressed, alongside strategies to improve service efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
A strong emphasis is placed on communication and behaviour change, recognising that successful food waste collection depends on sustained household engagement. The guide provides practical advice on promotion, messaging and ongoing engagement to increase capture rates and reduce contamination.
Although developed within the UK policy context, the principles, system options and implementation considerations presented are broadly applicable to other regions seeking to establish or enhance separate household food waste collection services.
Publication year: 2025
Language: EN
Published by: WRAP
Keywords: household food waste collection, local authority guidance, separate collection systems, service design, waste diversion, landfill reduction, contamination management, behaviour change communication, capture rate improvement, municipal waste management
