As local authorities prepare for Simpler Recycling and the expansion of mandatory food waste collections, having the right infrastructure in place is crucial.
At Storm Environmental, we provide the full food solution. From food recycling containers to robust food PODs (Place of Disposal) and purpose-built housings, we are helping councils deliver cleaner streets, higher participation and long term performance.
Storm’s full food solution is built around practical outcomes for councils and residents.
Our 140 and 240 litre food waste PODs are designed to deliver durability, hygiene and long term value for local authorities. Manufactured from robust steel, they provide a secure solution that prevents rodent damage and withstands heavy use in high density residential areas.
The optional foot operated lid access improves cleanliness and reduces hand contact, supporting better hygiene and lower contamination rates. Their clean, modern design integrates seamlessly into communal bin areas and streetscapes, encouraging higher participation from residents.
Our approach is already supporting councils across the UK, including Peterborough and a number of London Boroughs.
To support the delivery of Simpler Recycling food waste requirements, Peterborough City Council needed to extend its food waste collection service to flats that had not previously been included. While food waste collections had been successfully provided to houses since 2012, the new legislation required the service to be expanded to approximately 15,000 flats across the city.
Earlier trials using plastic food waste housings showed initial success; however, over time these units proved unsuitable in some locations, as rodents were able to chew through the plastic. Recognising the need for a more robust, long term solution, the council explored alternative options.
Following visits to LARAC and discussions with several suppliers, Peterborough City Council selected Storm to trial a new solution. A pilot of 10 Storm food waste units was undertaken, using the 140 litre PODs without a pedal. The units performed exceptionally well throughout the trial period, demonstrating durability, practicality and strong visual appeal. Based on the success of the trial, the council placed an order for 320 units.
To date, 160 units have already been delivered and installed, with very positive feedback received from residents and operational teams. The Storm units have proven to be a reliable and attractive solution, supporting effective food waste capture in challenging environments and helping the council meet its Simpler Recycling obligations with confidence.
Peterborough City Council Waste & Recycling Manager Amy Nebel said: “We needed a food waste solution that was durable, visually appealing, and fit for purpose in high density environments. After trialling the Storm units, it was clear they offered a long term solution where previous options had failed. The rollout has been extremely successful, and the feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Storm is also supporting multiple London Boroughs, as they tackle food waste at scale.
One borough has taken delivery of 350 food waste PODs – complete with optional foot operated lid – as part of London’s drive towards net zero and improved capture rates. Another borough has confirmed an order for around 270 140 litre food waste PODs.
In areas where communal collection points are already established, food PODs provide a natural extension of existing waste infrastructure.
Brighton and Hove City Council ordered 600 food PODs with optional foot operated lid to offer residents a clean and aesthetically pleasing way to dispose of food waste. After a live demonstration and trial, Storm was selected due to build strength and street presence. The PODs have been installed in a mix of flats and residential areas, with further locations already being considered due to strong early engagement.
Elsewhere, councils such as Thanet District Council have also begun rolling out Storm 140 litre food waste PODs, reinforcing the growing demand for durable, future ready solutions.
Storm Environmental’s recycling solutions were recently recognised at the MRW National Recycling Awards, winning the Innovation Award for Recycling Equipment and Vehicle Design.
The winning project, Smart Housing and On The Go Recycling Infrastructure, was delivered in partnership with Westminster City Council and Veolia UK. The initiative introduced innovative four wheeled bin housing PODs across housing estates, alongside four-way litter and recycling PODs on busy streets. Together, these solutions have helped transform public spaces, creating cleaner environments and encouraging higher levels of recycling participation.
This award reinforces Storm’s position as a trusted partner for councils seeking modern, effective recycling infrastructure as part of a complete waste solution.
With Simpler Recycling driving change across England, the need for dependable food waste infrastructure has never been greater. Storm Environmental provides customers with a complete, integrated approach that supports compliance, increases participation and protects public spaces.
From Peterborough to London Boroughs and beyond, our full food solution is helping councils turn food waste challenges into long term environmental progress.
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