Food waste collections in Rutland will start next week.

The much-anticipated rollout of food waste caddies and smaller black bins to people's homes got underway at the start of March.

The change in policy came after the government made food waste collections compulsory for 2026.

Rutland County Council ruled last summer that general waste collections would continue on a fortnightly basis with smaller 140-litre bins – as part of a shift to collecting food waste separately.

The smaller black bin collections are expected to reduce waste processing costs by just over £250,000 per year. Mixed recycling collections will remain as they are.

Outgoing council leader Gale Waller (Lib Dem) said previously it was unfair that the government was forcing councils to make this change at the same time as reducing their financial settlement.

Under the terms of the government's so-called fair funding review, councillors believe Rutland has lost out to more urban areas – especially those in London and the south east.

Coun Waller told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the economics of waste collection were such that it costs more to empty a bin in rural areas than in bigger towns and cities.

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A spokesman for Rutland County Council said: "Starting Monday, food waste will be collected every week on your normal bin collection day, just put out your caddy alongside your usual bin.

"Most residents should now have received their new smaller black bin and food waste caddies.

"If you are part of our separate farms and lodges collection round, your new bins and caddies are scheduled to arrive by the end of this week.

"If you have applied for extra waste capacity and your application was approved, you can continue to leave side waste next to your bin until your larger bin arrives."

Families of five or more, those with children in nappies, or residents with medical needs can apply for extra waste capacity.

Anyone can request an additional grey recycling bin and food waste caddy.

Residents who have not yet received their food caddy can report this via rutland.gov.uk/myaccount