A scheme to collect food waste from homes in Sheffield each week has been delayed for up to 15 years.

The government announced in October that local authorities in England must provide a weekly food waste collection service by March 2026.

Sheffield City Council’s Waste and Street Scene Committee voted to ask the government to defer the implementation of the scheme in Sheffield until 2038, which marks the end of the council’s contract with Veolia.

A petition is circulating urging the service to launch earlier than the scheduled date.

Mohammed Faysal Ansar, who launched the petition, said: “It is not Sheffield’s taxpayer’s problem that Sheffield Council decided to renew a waste contract with bin contractors Veolia back in 2017.”

All households in Sheffield have separate bin collections for non-recyclable waste, paper, glass, cans, and plastic bottles.

The introduction of a food waste collection service would mean households received a small kitchen caddy and an additional outside bin.

When announcing the plans, the government hoped this would simplify recycling and reduce an ‘excessive’ number of bins.

Mr Ansar added: “I am disappointed that Sheffield Labour and Green Councillors turned down such a brilliant opportunity when the UK Conservative Government is providing funding to start the roadside food waste service.”

The city council trialled the scheme with 8,200 households in the summer of 2022 as part of a recycling reform.

Samira Walker, who participated in the trial, said: “The trial was enlightening and a step towards a better Sheffield.

“However, my neighbours did complain about maggots on the roadside.”

The committee’s report said the new food waste collection service would require additional staffing, new vehicles and infrastructure development.

It said a deferment would allow the council to use the £3m earmarked for food waste for 2025/2026 to deliver alternative climate change projects.

Benjamin Dickinson, a climate change activist, said: “It’s ridiculous that Sheffield Council doesn’t take the opportunity to start the food waste service and tackle climate change simultaneously by reducing the number of plastic bags going into the black bin with rotten food waste.”

You can view or sign the petition here.