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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of infrequent collections of household waste on public health.

Through Simpler Recycling, all households will receive a comprehensive and consistent set of waste and recycling services. This will enable households to recycle as much waste as possible and to frequently dispose of bad-smelling food waste, which will be collected from all households at least weekly.

We recognise that as recycling services are expanded and improved, local authorities may want to review residual waste services to ensure they are providing best value for money in line with local need. The government’s priority is ensuring that households’ needs are met that’s why Defra has published guidance to ensure that local authorities meet household’s needs.