Food waste collections

 

How it works

Recycling your food waste keeps pests out of your black bags, helps manage your black bag allowance and reduces landfill gasses that are bad for our environment.

You need to use one of our large lockable food waste bins and our food waste bags to use our collection service. You can request a food waste bin for free to get started.

Within 2 weeks of requesting a food waste bin you will receive:

• a small food waste bin for your kitchen
• a roll of food waste bags to line your small bin
• a large lockable food waste bin for outside

We collect your food waste every week from your collection point.

Using our food waste bags

Our food waste bags are made from corn-starch, a natural material that is weaker than plastic. They naturally biodegrade over time as part of the food recycling process.

When using our bags:

• Do not store multiple rolls of bags as they weaken over time
• Double up the bags when recycling sharp or large food waste- for example chicken bones

To put your food waste out for collection:

• Request a food waste bin
• Check your food waste collection day 
• Use food waste bags provided by us or bags from supermarkets/online retailers that are EN13432 standard
• Line the bottom of your small food waste bin with a sheet of kitchen roll
• Do not overfill your bag
• Tie the top tightly
• Place the tied bag in your large food waste bin
• Lock the top of the bin to prevent animals getting inside
• Place your large food waste bin at your usual collection point by 7am

Request a food waste bin

Request a food waste bin to start using weekly collections or order a new or replacement bin if needed. 

Request a food waste bin

What can and cannot go in your bags?

Yes:

• Fruit and vegetables
• Meat and Fish
• Breads and bakery items
• Rice and pastas and lentils
• Dairy Products
• Sauces
• Bones
• Teabags, leaves and coffee grounds
• Cereal
• Pet food

No: 

• Plastic bags, packaging or containers
• Glass or metal
• Tins, cans and foil
• Food packaging
• Cardboard and paper
• Crisp packets
• Clear film wrap
• Oil or liquid fats
• Liquids
• Flowers and garden waste
• Clothing

If you cannot find an item or an answer on this list, check our A-Z recycling search.

Picking up more bags

You can pick up food waste bags from a number of local locations.

Do not store too many rolls of bags at home. They are purposely made from a biodegradable material that will weaken over time and may become fragile by the time you use them

Reporting a missed collection

Our crews may be delayed and may not collect your bags until later in the day.

If your bags have not been collected on your scheduled collection day, you can report your missed collection the next day.

Report a missed collection