About the Service
From 6th July 2026, we will be introducing a new weekly food waste recycling collection. We will 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)
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 will provide 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 will be delivered to you – nearer the time we will let you know when this will happen
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.
