Concerns raised regarding city's contract for food waste management

Derby City Council is facing criticism over plans to commit to a two-year food waste contract that could rely on a facility previously associated with severe odour problems. Beginning in spring 2026, the authority will be required to introduce weekly food waste collections and intends to use an unnamed anaerobic digestion (AD) plant located within the city limits.

Councillor Jonathan Smale noted that the only AD facility inside the city boundary is situated in his Spondon ward. He warned that expanding its use could once again expose residents to significant odours, echoing past complaints about what became known locally as the Spondon Pong.

A council officer assured that the authority would work closely with any service provider if operational issues arose. However, Smale argued that the cabinet should not approve the plan if it risks placing additional strain on Spondon or surrounding neighbourhoods.

From 31 March, the council will be responsible for collecting an estimated 4,845 tonnes of household food waste annually. New food caddies will be distributed soon, while the current fortnightly schedule for black and brown bins will remain unchanged. According to the council, disposing of food waste through black bins is nearly six times more expensive than processing it through the upcoming weekly recycling service.

Council documents indicate that an anaerobic digestion facility is considered the most sustainable option for handling food waste. Yet Smale stressed that residents have previously endured rotting meat and fish smells and insisted these issues must not be repeated.

He stated that if the council intends to rely on the Spondon site, contractual safeguards should be included to allow for termination if the facility fails to manage waste effectively. Constructing a second AD plant would be too costly, he added, while transporting waste outside Derby would contradict the purpose of the recycling initiative.

A city council officer told an executive scrutiny meeting that any facility selected must meet the highest standards and fully comply with Environment Agency regulations.

The proposed 750,000 contract is expected to be reviewed during a council cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Author: Benjamin Carter