Derby City Council is considering purchasing a 7.5-acre brownfield site on Stores Road to accommodate infrastructure for a new weekly food waste collection service, set to launch in April 2026. The land will house a Highways Hub, freeing up space at the existing depot, which is already operating at capacity. The purchase is part of the Stores Road Depot Scheme under the Council’s Capital Programme.
Under new ‘Simpler Recycling’ regulations, local authorities must introduce separate weekly food waste collections. Derby currently provides fortnightly collections mixed with garden waste. To meet the new requirements, £1.6 million in capital funding from Defra will support the purchase of 14 collection vehicles, food waste caddies, and staff. An additional £500,000 in revenue funding will be provided in March 2025 to assist with public awareness efforts.
The new service aims to improve waste management efficiency, reduce disposal costs, and increase recycling rates. Food waste collected in caddies will be processed separately rather than sent to landfills. As the council develops the service, businesses involved in waste management, transport, and infrastructure may see contract opportunities.
