Why is this happening?
This is a national requirement. All councils in England must introduce weekly food waste collections in 2026. The aim is to improve recycling, reduce environmental impact and make better use of food waste across the country.
Who collects and recycles my food waste?
Your local district or borough council manages your bins
and collections, while Staffordshire County Council
manages the processing of your waste.
When does my food waste collection start?
Your District or Borough Council will confirm your start date.
How much has this cost the council?
The government has provided the funding for the new trucks and the work to prepare for the new service. They have also provided additional funding to help us run the service.
In fact, if we all play our part in recycling our food waste, this could mean a saving of up to £1 million in savings, alongside significant environmental benefits.
Is there an extra charge for food waste collections?
No. There is no additional cost for food waste collections. The service is funded as part of the national waste and recycling system.
Why should I bother recycling food waste?
Recycling your food waste helps turn leftovers into something useful.
Instead of being burned with general waste, food waste is recycled separately into renewable energy.
A nutrient-rich fertiliser is also produced, which can be used by farms to improve soil and help grow more food.
Why shouldn't food waste go in the kerbside bin anymore?
When food waste is collected separately, it can be recycled in a far more effective way than when it goes into the main kerbside bin.
Separate food waste collections allow:
• Energy to be generated more efficiently.
• Valuable nutrients to be recovered and reused on farms and parks.
• A lower environmental impact than general waste treatment.
By recycling food waste separately, you help make better use of the waste we all create and support a more sustainable approach to waste management.
Why can't I put the food waste in my garden bin?
Food waste cannot be placed in the garden waste bin because it is collected and processed differently.
Food waste must be collected weekly to prevent odours, pests, and hygiene issues, whereas garden waste is collected fortnightly and intended only for green materials such as grass cuttings, leaves and small branches.
Will this change my bin collection day?
No. Your collection day will stay the same. Food waste will simply be collected weekly alongside your existing bins.
What about caddy liners?
You will be provided with liners when you receive your caddy pack from your local council along with instructions about how to re-order more when you need to.
Are you going to reduce how many times my general waste kerbside bin is emptied?
There are currently no plans to reduce the frequency of regular kerbside bin collections or to change the size of residents' kerbside bins
I already compost at home, so do I still need this?
Yes! Home composting is great for fruit and veg, but your food waste caddy can take things your home compost heap shouldn't, such as cooked leftovers, meat, fish, and bones.
Does it really all get recycled, or is it mixed back in?
It is 100% kept separate. Your food waste is collected by specialist vehicles and delivered to a dedicated processing facility. It is never mixed back with general rubbish.
Will my food waste bin smell or attract pests?
Lots of people across the country already recycle their food waste every week without any problems.
Actually, it's often more hygienic! Because the caddy is collected weekly, (unlike general waste bins), and has a locking handle to seal in odours and keep out animals.
Top tips:
• Tie your liners tightly before placing them in your outdoor caddy.
• Keep your outdoor caddy closed and locked by lifting the handle up.
• Your weekly collections help keep things fresh and odour-free.
What happens if I put the wrong items in my caddy?
If your outdoor caddy is not emptied because it contained the wrong items, please remove the wrong item and put your caddy out again the following week.
Find out what you can put in your caddy.
What if I forget to put my caddy out?
If you miss a collection, simply put your caddy out again the following week.
What if I live in a flat?
Your local council will provide guidance tailored to your property type.
I need help with my caddy?
If you struggle to move your bins to the kerbside, and don’t have anyone else, aged 16+, living with you, you can apply for an assisted collection from your local council.
What can I put in my food waste caddy?
All cooked and raw food, meat and fish bones, fruit and veg peelings, eggshells, tea bags, coffee grounds, and plate scrapings. Full details on what goes in your caddy here.
What can’t I put in my food waste caddy?
Packaging, plastic bags, liquids (milk/oil), garden waste, or pet waste. Full details on what cannot go in here.