Food Waste Collections

From 6th July 2026, we have introduced a new weekly food waste recycling collection. We collect your food waste weekly on the same day as we collect your other waste and recycling. Please note that food waste is collected separately in a dedicated food waste vehicle on the same day as your other collection(s). This new service is mandatory and is fully funded by the government.

You can learn more on this video: food waste - how is it recycled (youtube.com)

You can also watch a video from Severn Trent Green Power, which shows how food waste is recycled and turned into useful fertiliser and energy. While it's a different site in the video, it uses the same process as the Severn Trent Green Power facility in Coleshill, where North Warwickshire's food waste is processed.

Read more on how food waste is recycled

New government legislation, Simpler Recycling, requires all local authorities to provide a weekly collection of food waste to households. Collecting food waste weekly and separately means that food waste can be collected more frequently.

We have provided you with:

• One indoor caddy (5 litres)
• One outdoor caddy (23 litres)
• A starter roll of liners to line the caddy
• Full instructions on what can and cannot be recycled and how to maximise the benefits from this new service
• Caddies have been delivered to you

If you are missing any of the above or have received a damaged caddy, please use the form below. 

Report a missing or damaged food waste bin

Alternatively, you can call our dedicated waste line on 01827 719389.

Communal Properties / Flats

All flats and communal properties will receive the food waste collection service.

We will be rolling out collections on a phased basis, so some properties will receive the service before others. If your property is not currently shown in the table below, please check back as the list will be updated as the rollout progresses.

Residents will receive their individual indoor 5L caddy, information pack, and a letter a few weeks before collections begin at their property. The block of properties will also be provided with a larger communal bin to place their food waste in. 

Communal Properties / Flats that are due to receive their food waste caddy in the coming months:

Why should I recycle my food waste? What are the benefits?

Collecting food waste for recycling is important because:

• It’s better for the environment – every bit of food waste recycled stops methane from entering the atmosphere.
• It’s used to make energy – 1 tonne of food waste can generate around 300kWh of electricity. A single recycled banana peel can generate enough electricity to fully charge your smartphone, twice.
• It’s used to make fertiliser – producing liquid fertiliser for local farmers, reducing their reliance on chemical fertilisers.

What can go in the food caddies?

• Fish, meat and bones
• Leftovers and plate scrapings
• Bread, rice and pasta
• Fruit and vegetables (including peelings)
• Teabags and coffee grounds

The following items should not be put into your food caddies:

• Packaging of any kind
• Liquids such as milk or oil
• Garden waste
• Pet waste

What happens to the food waste once collected?

When recycled, food waste can be turned into something useful. Your food waste is taken to an anaerobic digestion facility where it is used to generate natural energy known as biogas, an excellent alternative to fossil fuels, and a fertiliser which can be used in farming.