“"It's fantastic to see our food waste collection trial now underway across parts of Newark and Sherwood ahead of the introduction of separate food waste collections across the district in 2027. This trial gives us a valuable opportunity to test different approaches, learn from residents' experiences and ensure we deliver a service that is practical, effective and easy to use across the district. Food waste currently makes up a significant proportion of material placed in household rubbish bins. By collecting it separately, we can turn it into valuable resources such as renewable energy and fertiliser, helping to reduce waste and support our environmental ambitions. We'd like to thank everyone taking part in the trial so far, as their feedback will play an important role in shaping the future service."
Newark & Sherwood Trial Food Waste Collections Ahead of 2027 Rollout
Thousands of homes in Newark and Sherwood are participating in a six-month trial to test new food waste collection methods before a district-wide launch.
By Aisha Mahmood
••3 min read
Newark and Sherwood District Council
Around 3,000 households in parts of Newark and Sherwood are now participating in a six-month food waste collection trial organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council, as preparations continue for a district-wide service launch in 2027.
The trial is a significant step towards the council's plan for a countywide rollout of separate food waste collections next year. Newark and Sherwood District Council is one of only two councils in Nottinghamshire testing this service, allowing residents to help shape future operations.
Participants will test various collection arrangements, including different methods for using food waste liners. The insights gathered will help the council understand resident preferences and ensure the future service is practical, effective, and user-friendly. Selected households have received a 23-litre lockable outdoor food waste caddy, a 7-litre kitchen caddy, and informational materials. Some also received a starter roll of compostable liners.
Weekly food waste collections are now underway, enabling residents to recycle a wide range of items such as fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, tea bags, coffee grounds, leftovers, and plate scrapings. The collections will use secure, lockable outdoor caddies to contain waste and minimise pest concerns.
The trial also aims to help residents contribute to renewable energy creation and sustainable farming. Collected food waste will be processed locally through anaerobic digestion, converting it into biogas for energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser for farmland, thus turning waste into valuable resources.
Following the trial, participating households will continue to receive weekly food waste collections while the results are reviewed and plans for the countywide service are finalised.
Households not selected for the trial will maintain their usual waste and recycling collections until the countywide introduction of food waste collections in 2027. For more information, residents can visit the Newark and Sherwood District Council website.
Based on information from the official source: Newark and Sherwood District Council (28/10/2026)
