Hartlepool Borough Council introduced weekly food waste collections on a trial basis in November 2025 before rolling the service out across the borough. Since then, household collections have averaged around 30 tonnes every week.
The collected food waste is processed by Duranta Energy Ltd and transformed into biogas and natural fertiliser, helping reduce waste and create valuable resources.
The council has thanked the many residents who have already made food waste recycling part of their weekly routine but it is encouraging more people to take part – particularly in areas where participation could be higher.
Analysis of collection data has shown that food waste collections tend to be lower on Wednesdays. Areas affected include Brierton, Owton Manor, Rift House, the Milbank Road and Lancaster Road area, the Headland and the streets off Elwick Road between Burn Valley Road and Penrhyn Street.
Councillor Amanda Napper, Hartlepool Borough Council’s chair of Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee, said: “I would like to thank the thousands of residents who have embraced food waste recycling since the service was introduced. Collecting almost 900 tonnes of food waste is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates how people across Hartlepool are playing their part in reducing waste and protecting the environment.”
She added: “However, there is still more we can achieve. Every banana skin, tea bag, plate scraping and leftover meal that is recycled rather than thrown into the general rubbish bin makes a difference. Food waste collections are now a normal part of weekly life for many households, but we know there are still residents who have not yet started using the service. We would particularly encourage residents in areas where participation is lower to make sure they are making full use of the service. Together, we can build on the excellent progress already made and recycle even more food waste in the future.”
Anyone wanting more information about food waste recycling should please head to www.hartlepool.gov.uk/recycling
