Rossendale joins the national call to ‘rescue your recyclables’ during Recycle Week 2026, as new figures show recycling rates rising by 4% since the introduction of weekly food collections
Small changes in kitchens across Rossendale is making a big difference, with the borough’s overall recycling rate rising from 34% to 38%, following the introduction of weekly food waste collections. The increase shows how simple changes at home can have a real impact when a community makes them together.
Since introducing the service, residents have got involved making food waste recycling part of their weekly routine. In just three months, 409 tonnes of food waste have been collected from households across the borough, helping to divert waste away from disposal and towards recycling.
Councillor Adrian Lythgoe, Cabinet Member for Environment and Corporate Services, said:
“It’s fantastic to see recycling rates across Rossendale increase, and this Recycling Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the difference residents are making every day.
“This year’s Recycle Week campaign highlights the value of everyday items when they are recycled correctl, even something as simple as Neil the banana peel! When food waste is recycled, it can be used to generate renewable energy and produce fertiliser, rather than going to landfill. Rossendale’s food waste success shows how these small actions can really add up.
“We know that food waste makes up a significant proportion of what goes into our general waste bins, so providing residents with a dedicated weekly collection gives everyone a simple and convenient way to recycle more.
“Thank you to everyone who is using their food waste caddies and making the most of our recycling collections. We want to build on this progress and continue reducing the amount of waste we send for disposal, and residents have a really important role to play in helping us achieve that.”
Weekly food waste collections were introduced by Rossendale Borough Council in April 2026, following new Government requirements for councils to provide separate food waste collections to households.
The introduction of weekly food waste collections forms part of Rossendale Borough Council’s wider work to increase recycling, reduce waste and support a cleaner, more sustainable borough.
The Council is encouraging residents to keep using their food waste caddies and recycling bins correctly and to check which items can and cannot be recycled. For more information on food waste recycling see our website.