Food Waste

Why are we introducing food waste collections?

In the UK, households unfortunately throw away a lot of food waste. Currently, 60% of food in the UK is wasted by households. From 31 March 2026 every Council in England must bring in weekly food waste collections for households. This is a new legal requirement introduced by the Government under 'Simpler Recycling'. It will mean that food waste can now be recycled across England and not just wasted. 

I don't have time to do this- why should I?

You're already producing food waste, its going in your household waste bin, so this is just a different container. It's important to reduce the amount of food waste going to disposal, food waste produces methane - a harmful greenhouse gas.

When will weekly food waste collections start?

We will start collecting food waste every week from Tuesday 31st March 2026. Your collections will be on the same day at the location that you present your paper/cardboard sack/bin (this is normally on the pavement at the front of your property). Place the bin with the handle in the locked position ready for collection by 6.45 am. 

When will I receive the new food waste bins?

Delivery of food waste bins will start February.  You will receive two new containers, an indoor kitchen caddie and a kerbside caddy (which the crew will empty), liners and instructions on how to use them. Please keep these safe until they are ready to use. 

Can I start to use my food waste caddy straight away?

Please do not put any food waste into your caddy until a week before collections are due to start from the end of March. Until then, you should continue to put any food waste in your green bin. 

How to store your liners?

Please keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and safe from young children and pets. 

How big is the food waste kitchen caddy and outside bin?

The dimensions of each are below.

• Grey kitchen caddy (5 litre) - to be kept inside your property
  Height 20 cm x Depth 19.5 cm x Width 26.5 cm
• Grey Kerbside caddy (23 litre) - to be kept outside 
  Height 40 cm x Depth 40 cm x Width 32 cm

Why should I recycle food waste? 

Recycling food waste it is better for the environment than throwing away it away in the black bin. It can be used to generate natural forms of energy and fertiliser for farming.

Food waste in the black bin is wasted and uses more energy to dispose of it than recycling it. 

Why can’t I put food waste in my general waste bin?

From the 31 March 2026 a new legal requirement comes into force for food waste to be collected separately. 

What if I don’t produce any food waste? 

Remember there is no amount too small. The best thing we can do with our food is enjoy it but some waste like banana skins, tea bags, vegetable peelings and bones can’t be avoided and can all be recycled. 

I don’t have time to do this – does it matter if I don’t? 

Recycling food waste is easy; all you need to do is put your food waste in a separate bin.  By doing this any food waste you have can be made into something useful (a biogas, a natural form of energy, as well as a fertiliser for use in farming) rather than being sent for disposal.

In our borough of over 32,000 households, everyone’s food waste mounts up. 

I don’t have space for the caddy, what should I do? 

The kitchen caddy is a small container (5 litre) and is designed to be kept indoors. A lot of people keep them on a work top, next to the kitchen bin or under the sink. Remember you can use your own container if you prefer if this fits better in your kitchen.

However, if you don’t have space or prefer not to use your kitchen caddy, you can use your own container or just empty your food waste directly into the larger food caddy outside and present it for emptying each week.

I don't want a food waste bin, can I ask you to collect it from me?

We will be delivering food waste bins to all households in line with the new legal requirement. We understand that not everyone may welcome this. We are encouraging everyone to try out the new service. We won't be collecting in unwanted bins.

Will the food in my bin smell? 

No, emptying your kitchen caddy regularly into the outside food waste bin and by using liners in the kitchen caddy and tying them up will help keep your containers clean. Your outdoor bin has a lockable lid which will stop smells and vermin getting in. The kitchen caddy and outdoor bin can be washed using hot soapy water. The kitchen caddy can be placed in the dishwasher (max 60 degrees Celsius).  

I have help with my bins. Will my food waste bin be collected?

If you receive help with your bins, your food waste bin will be collected like your other bins.

How will I know which food bin is mine after collection?

Please write your house name or number on your caddy. This will reduce the risk of any confusion after they have been emptied.

I live in a flat will I be able to recycle food waste?

Yes, if you live in a flat or communal property who have their own wheelie bins you will receive your own kitchen caddy and a kitchen caddy. If you share bins, you will receive a kitchen caddy and may share a food waste bin which will be emptied by the crew. Bins will be delivered later this year for these properties.  

How to stop pests/animals getting into your food waste container

Ensure the lid to your green food recycling bin is fully closed to help keep it clean, free from odours and safe from animals getting in. When the handle is turned backwards over the lid, it is in the locked position.

What do I do when I run out of liners?

Tie your last liner to your kerbside caddy and the crew will leave you another roll of liners.

What happens to food waste once collected? 

Your food waste is taken to an anaerobic digestion facility where it is used to generate natural forms of energy, such as biogas, an excellent alternative to fossil fuels and a fertiliser or soil conditioner which can be used in farming. 

This process uses microorganisms to break down food waste in the absence of oxygen, inside an enclosed system. As it breaks down it gives off methane, which is collected and converted into biogas and used to generate electricity, heat or transport fuels. It also creates a nutrient-rich digestate that can be used as a fertiliser for agriculture and in land regeneration.

Can I still compost at home?

Yes, we would encourage you to continue composting at home. However, using the food waste caddy means you can now recycle all meat, fish, bones, cooked food and dairy products too. These types of food shouldn’t be composted at home as they can attract vermin. 

Smell from your kitchen caddy

Your kitchen caddy and food waste bin should not smell. Food waste will be collected weekly which will reduce smells. We advise regularly emptying your kitchen food waste caddy into the outdoor one and regularly rinsing it out. 

Concerns about pests and vermin

The outdoor caddy will have a sealable and lockable lid which prevents pests and vermin.