Planned food waste collections in Kettering and Wellingborough has been delayed again, with the council now saying the roll-out will start in April 2027.

North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) says the delay is caused by issues with recruiting the additional food waste team members, including lorry drivers.

As such, NNC says the roll-out will begin week commencing April 5, 2027.

Cllr Chris McGiffen, the council’s executive member for highways and travel, said: “When central Government introduced the law that requires councils to offer a weekly food waste collection service, councils across the country all came up against the same issues – a rush on buying new vehicles and the caddies required, plus hiring additional staff to facilitate the extra rounds.

North Northants Council has delayed the roll out until April 2027

placeholder image — North Northants Council has delayed the roll out until April 2027

“Fortunately, we now have the necessary infrastructure and have been doing all we can to roll out the service to Kettering and Wellingborough areas including a lot of work behind the scenes to ensure the roll-out runs smoothly.

“But we need more staff, especially Class 1 HGV lorry drivers, so if you or someone you know is looking for a role that can make a real difference to local communities across North Northamptonshire, please do apply online via our website.”

Delayed bin lorries on their way as Kettering and Wellingborough food waste coll...

The collections were announced in March 2024 and in Kettering and Wellingborough have already been delayed by several months, while households in Corby and east Northants currently have regular collections.

The council will also be changing some households bin days to facilitate the roll-out, with all impacted households being written to in early 2027.

The government made the new collection a national requirement, starting from April 1, 2026, and being funded by a grant of almost £2.5m from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), which was awarded to North Northamptonshire Council for the purchasing food waste containers and collection vehicles.

Two food caddies – a smaller bin for inside the property and a larger bin to be placed out for collection – have been delivered to households. Those who have not yet received a caddy will have one delivered nearer to the launch in April next year.

Those interested in applying for a role as a waste driver can find more details online here.