PROBLEMS with the delivery of specialist vehicles are behind delays to the roll-out of new food waste collections across Lichfield and Burntwood.
Lichfield District Council was among 79 local authorities identified nationally as not introducing the new recycling measure by the 31st March deadline.
The changes will see households separate food from other rubbish and use a new caddy.
A report in January said the scheme was on track to launch in Lichfield and Burntwood on 30th March.
But a spokesperson for Lichfield District Council said delays to the delivery of vehicles had pushed the introduction of the scheme back – and it could be several months before collections begin:
“We know many residents will have seen national coverage this week about new food waste collections being introduced across the country.
“Unfortunately, we’ve had to delay the launch of our new household food waste service.
“This is an important new service that will help increase recycling and reduce waste, and we know many residents are looking forward to getting started.
“We were on track to launch this March, with caddies ready and staff trained. However, the delivery of our specialist collection vehicles has been delayed.
“Although we placed our order nearly a year ago, our supplier has experienced exceptionally high demand due to councils across the UK introducing food waste collections at the same time. This has impacted delivery times. We will be ready to go as soon as the vehicles arrive.
“Once our vehicle delivery is confirmed, we’ll begin rolling out caddies and information to households ahead of the service starting. We’re hoping to launch in summer 2026.”
