Why should I recycle food waste?
As food waste is 70% water, sending food waste for incineration requires more energy to burn so recycling is a more efficient method of disposal.
What happens to food waste once collected?
More than 25% of the waste in an average waste bin is food. 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 forms of energy, such as biogas, an excellent alternative to fossil fuels and a fertiliser or soil conditioner which can be used in farming.
What if I don’t produce any food waste?
Remember there is no amount too small. The best thing we can do with our food is enjoy it but some waste like banana skins, tea bags and bones are unavoidable and can all be recycled.
I don’t have time to do this – why should I?
You’re already producing food waste, it’s going in your household waste bin, so this is just a different container. It’s important to reduce the amount of food waste going to disposal, food waste produces methane – a harmful greenhouse gas.
How often will my food waste be collected?
Food waste collections will be weekly. Your local Council is currently working on the details and will share more information as soon as possible.
Are you going to consult the public on the changes?
The changes are being brought forward by the UK government, who consulted local authorities and businesses.
Will the food in my bin smell?
Not if you empty your kitchen caddy regularly into the outside food waste recycling bin and tie up the liners.
What does Anaerobic Digestion mean?
This process uses microorganisms to break down food waste in the absence of oxygen, inside an enclosed system. As it breaks down it gives off methane, which is collected and converted into biogas and used to generate electricity, heat or transport fuels. It also creates a nutrient-rich digestate that can be used as a fertiliser for agriculture and in land regeneration.
What things can be put in the household food waste collection service?
Your local Council will share more details about exactly what can go in your food waste collection. Generally it includes:
- All uneaten food and plate scrapings
- Baked goods such as bread, cakes and pastries
- Dairy products, eggs and eggshells
- Fruit and vegetables including raw and cooked vegetables and peelings
- Out-of-date or mouldy food
- Pet food
- Raw and cooked meat or fish, including bones
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
All food waste should be removed from it’s packaging.
Will there be a charge for food waste collection?
No, food collections will be included in the standard waste collection service.
Why can’t I put food waste in my general waste bin?
It will be a legal requirement for food waste to be collected separately at the kerbside. Recycling your food waste is better for the environment and will be used to generate natural forms of energy and fertiliser or soil conditioner which can be used in farming.
Can I put food waste in my garden waste bin?
No. Our garden waste is composted out in the open using a method called windrow composting. Food waste needs to be heat treated, to make sure there are no pathogens that can be transferred to people or livestock. This is a more expensive method of treatment and windrow composting is a more environmentally friendly method of treating garden waste.
When is this happening?
Individual Councils are currently working on timetables to roll out food waste collection. This information will be updated when we have more detail.
We are expecting food waste collections for households to start from Spring 2026.