New waste collection and recycling schemes cannot go ahead without more funding, councils have warned.

The government recently introduced simpler recycling laws that require local authorities to make recycling, food waste and garden waste collections more consistent.

The aim is to cut landfill waste.

But Adur and Worthing Councils said they will not be able to implement the new legislation without more government cash.

They said they support the changes and the positive impact  they could have but have "significant concerns" over funding and how soon these rules are set to begin.

The legislation requires the council to provide kerbside food waste collection for businesses and other non-domestic premises by March 31, 2025, and for all households by March 31, 2026.

However, although the government will give the councils £1,383,680 to cover costs for kitchen and kerbside caddies for residents to store food waste and for additional collection vehicles, they anticipate a shortfall of around £900,000.

READ MORE: Tulip festival returns to Sussex in 2024

Government funding for daily operation costs, including staff and fuel, is yet to be announced.

The councils warned that to meet this shortfall they would have to use substantial proportions of their financial reserves or slash other services.

They have now informed the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that without full coverage of costs, the new requirements cannot be met.

The new rules also require councils to collect soft plastics by March 31, 2027.

The simpler recycling scheme also sets out a requirement for businesses and other non-domestic premises to separate paper, card, cans, glass and plastic containers by March 31, 2025.

Adur and Worthing councils currently serve 1,821 commercial waste customers.

They also provide a commercial food waste collection service to 44 customers and garden waste collections to almost 20,000 active subscribers.

The upcoming changes will form part of a new waste plan for the councils.

Councillor Emma Evans, Adur's cabinet member for the environment and leisure, said: "We welcome any initiatives that encourage recycling and reduce waste, something that we are already actively promoting through our domestic and commercial waste collection services and via schemes like the community composting scheme in Buckingham Park.

"However, any new services that incur additional costs to the council will need to be fully funded before they can be implemented."

Councillor Vicki Wells, Worthing's cabinet member for the environment, said: "Food waste collection is a priority for Worthing and in 2022 a service model was costed.

"After extensive delays, the government announcement doesn't fully fund the scheme which is mandatory from 2026, further placing local authorities like Worthing in financial jeopardy.

"We urge the government to provide complete financial support to help Worthing deliver this service."