Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to commitment 48 in the Environmental Improvement Plan published on 1 December 2025, if she will outline the timescale and process for determining measures to drive the reduction and near-elimination of biodegradable municipal waste to landfill from 2028.

Reducing the amount of biodegradable waste being sent to landfill has a key part to play in tackling climate change. In February 2025, Defra published a summary of responses to the call for evidence on the near elimination of biodegradable municipal waste to landfill from 2028. We are planning next steps for the future of the landfill sector, including near elimination of biodegradable waste.

The Government’s introduction of Simpler Recycling reforms will also help to reduce biodegradable municipal waste sent to landfill. From 31 March 2025, workplaces in England with 10 or more employees must separate food waste for recycling or composting. Households followed from 31 March 2026, with micro-firms included from 31 March 2027. Collecting food waste separately from residual waste allows us to send it for anaerobic digestion or composting. This reduces the amount of food waste going to landfill, where it releases harmful greenhouse gases, helping to achieve our Net Zero strategy target to eliminate biodegradable waste sent to landfill from 2028.