Food waste

Weekly food waste collections expanding in 2026

From 30 March 2026, residents living in flats will receive weekly food waste collections.

If you already receive food waste collections, nothing changes for you.

This page explains how to use your food waste caddy and what will change from March 2026.

Find information about:

Recycling your food waste

Using your indoor caddy and outdoor food bin

Food waste caddy

Residents who receive a food waste collection are provided with:

  • a small 7-litre indoor caddy for the kitchen
  • a larger 23-litre outdoor food waste recycling bin for collection
  • for flats: either a communal food waste bin or a 23-litre outdoor food waste bin

Food waste is collected every week on your normal collection day.

Some households will have a change to their collection day from March 2026 as recycling rounds are reorganised to support the new glass recycling service. If your collection day is changing, we will write to you before this happens.

Your outdoor bin has a lockable handle to help keep out flies and animals. Keep the handle in the locked position when not in use.

Lining your food waste caddy

If you’d like to line your food waste caddy, you can use:

  • plastic carrier bags, bread bags or salad bags
  • compostable caddy liners
  • old newspapers
  • paper grocery or delivery bags

These liners are removed when food waste is processed.

What goes in your food waste bin

  • meat and fish, raw or cooked, including small bones
  • fruit and vegetables, including peelings and stones
  • dairy products such as cheese
  • eggs and eggshells
  • bread, cakes and pastries
  • pasta, rice and beans
  • teabags and coffee grounds
  • plate scrapings and leftovers
  • out-of-date food without packaging
  • pet food
  • solidified cooking fats and oils

What cannot go in your food waste bin

  • plastic or polystyrene packaging
  • tin foil or food containers
  • cardboard packaging
  • liquids such as milk or juice
  • large meat bones
  • garden waste
  • glass or china
  • pet mess, litter or bedding
  • black bags

Food waste collections for flats

From 30 March 2026, residents living in flats will receive weekly food waste collections using communal food waste bins.

Food waste caddies will be delivered before collections begin.

If you have not received your caddy by the start of collections, you will be able to request one online.

Communal bins are pest resistant and emptied weekly.

Keeping your caddy clean

Wash your caddy regularly using hot soapy water. Lining the caddy can also help keep it clean.

Empty your indoor caddy regularly into the outdoor or communal bin.

Food caddies are lockable and designed to prevent spills if knocked over.

What to do if your food waste bin is missed

If your food waste bin is not collected, report a missed collection within 48 hours.

If a communal bin is contaminated with the wrong waste, it may not be emptied until contamination is removed.

Order a food waste bin or caddy

Find out how to order a food waste bin or caddy

The best way to reduce waste is to cut down how much food you throw away. Find tips at Love Food Hate Waste.