Waste and Recycling

Weekly food waste collections will be introduced across the city later this year to offer residents an easy way to recycle their leftovers.

The government has introduced a requirement for all councils to deliver the collection service for food waste under its Simpler Recycling legislation.

Collections are due to begin from late October and will be available to all kerbside properties initially, with a further roll out to flats and other communal properties from November onwards.

Full information about the free service and how people can take part will be shared with residents throughout the coming months. Food waste caddies and bin liners will also be delivered to households during this time.

What are the benefits?

Recycling food waste has a number of benefits including helping to turn leftovers into useful products such as green energy and natural fertiliser. It helps cut carbon footprints and improves soil health.

Weekly collections can help reduce household bin smells, as regular collections help to keep things fresher. They can also help to create more space in domestic waste bins.

And recycling food waste can help household finances. Millions of tonnes of food waste are thrown away each year, costing the average family around £1,000 annually according to figures from WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).

Once food waste is collected, it will be taken to an anaerobic digestion facility. This process generates sustainable energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

How do I find out more?

More information about the new weekly food waste collections, including details of caddy deliveries and collection dates, will be shared with residents before the service starts later in the autumn. 

You can read some FAQs about food waste collections here.