Recycling and waste collections in Luton are set to change from late March 2026, with the council promising a simpler system designed to help residents recycle more and cut the amount of rubbish sent to landfill.
The changes form part of the government’s national Simpler Recycling scheme, which aims to standardise recycling services across England. Luton Council says the new arrangements will bring the town into line with the legislation while keeping most existing collections unchanged.
From late March, households will begin receiving weekly food waste collections for the first time. Residents living in houses will be given a small five-litre kitchen caddy along with a larger 23-litre kerbside caddy, while those in flats will receive a five-litre kitchen caddy to empty into a shared communal food waste bin. Delivery of the food waste caddies is due to start from February. The new service is being supported by grant funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Glass collections will also become more frequent, moving from once a month to once every two weeks. General waste and existing recycling collections will remain unchanged, continuing on a fortnightly basis.
Councillor Ghulam Abbas, Luton Council’s portfolio holder for strategic waste authority, said: “We know how important it is to make recycling straightforward. The changes will make bin day simpler, reduce waste and help protect our environment. Separating food waste will keep your general waste bin fresher and allow us to turn the food into renewable energy and fertiliser for crops.
“We’ll be supporting residents every step of the way with clear guidance to ensure everyone understands what’s changing, and how to make the most of the new service. Together, we can make Luton a cleaner, greener and a thriving place to live, work and visit.”
Every household in Luton will receive a leaflet in January explaining how the new system will work and what residents need to do ahead of the changes. The council says details of the exact start date for the first food waste collections will be shared closer to the time.
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