Weekly Food Waste Collections to Launch Across Overton This October

A brand-new weekly food waste collection service is set to launch across Overton this autumn, helping thousands of households cut down on waste and recycle more effectively.

The rollout begins the week of Monday, October 6, placing the village well ahead of the Government’s April 2026 deadline for introducing mandatory food waste collections.

The initiative is being delivered in partnership with waste contractor Serco, and aims to tackle the growing issue of avoidable food waste by allowing residents to recycle everyday leftovers such as fruit and vegetable peelings, meat, fish, bones, eggshells, tea bags, plate scrapings—even pet food.

Collected food waste won’t just vanish into landfill; instead, it will be transformed into renewable energy and fertiliser, creating a sustainable second life for the scraps we usually throw away.

A Win for the Environment—and Your Wallet

Cllr Laura James, cabinet member for residents’ services and housing at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said:

“Residents have told us they want to recycle more.
I am delighted we are now introducing this new service which will not only boost the borough’s recycling rates but will also reduce the amount thrown away in our rubbish bins.

Food waste recycling is a great opportunity for people to see just how much food they might be wasting.
Cutting down on avoidable waste like out-of-date food or uneaten leftovers could help to save people money, while also reducing their impact on the environment.”

Cllr Alan Oliver, portfolio holder for development management and waste services at Hart District Council, added:

“Rolling out a new service and delivering caddies across the whole district is a significant undertaking, and we hope residents will find everything they need in their delivery to help them recycle more from the kerbside.

We understand that people may have questions. The handy guide delivered with your caddies should answer most queries, but please also check our website or contact us if there is anything else you need to know about your new weekly service.”

What Households Will Receive

As part of the scheme, every household will receive:

• A grey indoor caddy for food scraps
• A roll of compostable liners
• An information leaflet explaining how the system works

For homes with kerbside collections, a green outdoor caddy will also be provided. Residents living in flats or using communal bins will share larger containers placed in communal areas.

You won’t need to be home to receive your caddies—but if you’re going to be away, councils suggest asking a friendly neighbour to store them until you return.

Where to Find More Information

Delivery updates and detailed guides will be shared via the Basingstoke Council website and social media platforms in the lead-up to the launch.

With food waste making up nearly 30% of the average household bin, the councils hope the new service will mark a major step toward greener, cleaner communities—and slimmer bins for everyone.