Simpler Recycling: Are your team ready?

Tuesday 17th June, 2025
11:00am–12:00pm
Hosted by metroSTOR UK

About the event

From April 2026, weekly food waste collections will become a legal requirement for all households in England, including purpose-built flats and communal housing. This forms part of the Government’s Simpler Recycling reforms, aimed at creating a consistent national approach to household recycling.

With just under a year to go, questions remain over how councils, housing providers and waste teams will deliver the necessary infrastructure, particularly in higher-density housing where shared waste systems and spatial constraints add further complexity.

In this one-hour session, hear from experts at Islington and Southwark Councils as they share how their teams are approaching the challenge – from rolling out new services and securing funding, to engaging residents and planning around estate layouts. Expect practical insights from those already putting the pieces in place, with a chance to ask questions and learn what works on the ground.

Who should attend

This session is aimed at:

Local authority waste and recycling officers
Housing providers and estate services teams
Contractors and service partners supporting waste infrastructure delivery

Event details

Expert Panel Discussion: Nicole Blagoeva and Jean Hughes from Islington Council will outline how the borough is preparing to deliver consistent food waste services to purpose-built blocks, supported by infrastructure investment, clear signage and resident engagement.
Michael Greenhalf from Southwark Council shares insights from a strategic and contract management perspective, including lessons from previous service rollouts and practical considerations for implementing food waste services in estates.
Toolbox Takeaway: Speakers will share key lessons and planning tips, including service design considerations, funding options and strategies for engaging residents in food waste separation across different housing types.
Interactive Q&A: Put your questions to the panel in a live Q&A session. Whether you are developing your first food waste rollout plan or refining existing infrastructure, this is your opportunity to engage with practitioners already tackling the challenge.

About the Panel

Nicole Blagoeva

Senior Estates Recycling Officer, Islington Council
LinkedIn: Nicole Blagoeva – Sarikaya

Nicole has worked across several London boroughs to improve recycling in high-density housing. At Islington, she is leading efforts to expand food waste services to estates in line with the borough’s 2023–2025 Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan, supporting Islington’s commitment to reach net zero by 2030.

Jean Hughes

Recycling & Support Officer, Islington Council

Jean delivers estate-based recycling initiatives at Islington Council. Islington’s current focus includes food waste service trials for flats above shops and a £2 million investment in clean, accessible communal facilities.

Michael Greenhalf

Waste Contract & Strategy Manager, London Borough of Southwark
LinkedIn: Michael Greenhalf

Michael brings over a decade of experience in local authority waste strategy and performance management. At Southwark, he has overseen service transformation including the implementation of food waste collections and the council’s award-winning estate waste infrastructure programme.

Simpler Recycling: Are your team ready?

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