Food waste recycling

We put your food waste to good use. By recycling your food separately, it can be turned into energy to power our homes and businesses and also a high quality fertiliser for use on agricultural land. Find out what we do with your food waste.

You can recycle your food scraps and leftover food waste using a small food caddy or container in the kitchen. You can then empty that into you outdoor food recycling bin.

We will empty your outdoor food waste bin every week.

Check your bin collection day

What you can put in your food waste caddy

  • all uneaten food and plate scrapings
  • mouldy or out of date food
  • raw and cooked meat or fish, including bones
  • dairy products such as cheese
  • fruit and vegetables - raw, cooked or peelings
  • eggs and eggshells
  • tea bags and coffee grounds
  • rice, pasta and beans
  • baked goods such as cakes, bread and pastries
  • pet food

What you can't put in your food waste caddy

  • non-food items including nappies
  • liquids such as milk - these can leak and cause spillages during transportation
  • packaging of any kind
  • any material that is not food waste

Looking after your caddy

You don’t need to line your caddy (put your food in loose). If you prefer to line it to make it easier to clean, you can use:

  • salad, bread and cereal wrapping
  • newspaper or kitchen roll
  • carrier bags
  • compostable bags
  • clear plastic bags or freezer bags
  • pedal bin liners

We cannot accept black bin liners, rubble sacks, or hard plastic packaging.

Buckinghamshire residents can get a discount on compostable liners from Great Green Systems.

When you put your caddy out, make sure the lid is locked to prevent spillage. In strong winds, put your caddy in a sheltered spot as it can be blown over.

Composting at home

Composting is an inexpensive, natural process that transforms kitchen and garden waste into a nutrient rich food for your garden. We offer discounted prices for compost bins and food waste digesters.

Find out more about composting at home

If you need a new or replacement food caddy

You can request a new food caddy if yours has been:

  • damaged, lost or stolen
  • vandalised or burnt

You can also ask for an extra caddy if you have a lot of food waste. We may charge for this service.

Request a new or replacement bin

Contact the waste and recycling team

If you have a question about food waste collections that is not answered on this page, you can contact us for help.