Food Waste
Food Waste FAQs
Your new food waste recycling collection service
From 1 April we will be introducing a new weekly food waste recycling collection service.
We will provide you with:
- A kitchen caddy (5 litres)
- A roll of caddy liners
- An outdoor caddy (23 litres)
What to do:
It’s easy to recycle your food waste, simply follow these steps:
1. Put a liner in your kitchen caddy then put your food waste in it
2. When full, remove the liner, tie the top and put it in your outdoor caddy
3. Put your caddy out EVERY WEEK AT THE FRONT OF YOUR PROPERTY on your collection day
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When will I get my caddies?
A. The distribution of caddies and liners to all households will start at the beginning of February 2026 and be completed by the end of March.
Q. When can I start using my caddies?
A. We ask that you do not use the caddies before the official start date at the beginning of April.
Q. How many caddy liners will I be given?
A. You will receive enough to last the first year
Q. Do I have to use the liners provided, or can I use carrier bags?
A. You will be supplied with biodegradable liners, but you can also use standard plastic bags (like supermarket carrier bags, bread bags or pedal bin liners).
Q. Will we be given liners in the future?
A. This is a mandatory scheme supported by funding from DEFRA. If funding continues to be provided, we will continue to provide liners.
Q. How do I know what day my caddy will be emptied?
A. It will be on the same day as your other waste and recycling collections.
See details of collection dates are in your 2025/26 Recycling Calendar, and on the Council’s website.
Q. Where do I put my caddy for collection?
A. Outside the front of your property.
Q. What if I don’t produce any food waste?
A. There is no amount too small. Banana skins, tea bags and bones can all be recycled.
Q. I don’t have time to do this – why should I?
A. It’s easy, all you need to do is follow the instructions above. It’s also important to reduce the amount of food waste going to landfill or other disposal sites.
Q. I don’t have space for the caddy, what should I do?
A. Try putting it under the sink, next to the kitchen bin or on the worktop. You can use your own container if you prefer and it fits better in your kitchen.
Q. What can I recycle in the caddy?
A. You can include all food waste from your home, including leftovers from meals, food that has gone past its use by date, and any other food waste from your kitchen, including the following:
- fruit and vegetables
- fish
- tea bags and coffee grounds
- bread, cakes and pastries
- rice, pasta and beans
- meat and bones
- dairy products
- tinned and dry pet food
- any meal or take-away leftovers
Q. What can’t I recycle in the caddy?
A. Please do not put any of the following in your food waste bins:
- packaging of any kind
- liquids such as milk
- oil or liquid fat
- any material that is not food waste
Q. I live in a large household; can I have a bigger caddy?
A. Your caddy will be emptied weekly, so there should be sufficient space to last between collections; but if you need help in reducing your food waste, here are some suggestions: How to Reduce Food Waste: 11 Easy Tips That Really Work
Q. Can I compost my food waste?
A. Compost bins are not suitable for meat, dairy products and some cooked foods, but all of these can be put into your food waste caddy. If you already compost, see your food waste bin as a supplement rather than a replacement to your composting.
Q. Will the food waste in my caddies attract pests?
A. The outdoor caddies are designed with sealable and lockable lids to prevent pests and rodents from accessing the contents. It is important to ensure the lid is properly closed and locked after placing the caddy out for collection or adding food to it.