Common concerns about food waste collections
We know some residents have questions about food waste collections. Below we explain how the service works and address the most common concerns.
Will it smell?
Food waste is collected weekly. This means the smelliest waste is removed from your main bin more often.
You can also reduce smells at home by:
- keeping the kitchen caddy lid closed
- emptying the caddy regularly
- storing the caddy in a cool place
- making sure the outdoor caddy is locked by lifting the handle
Will it attract pests?
Food waste is unlikely to attract pests when it is:
- stored in the provided food waste caddies
- kept closed between collections
- collected weekly
Where food waste is contained properly, pest problems are rare.
Does it all go to the same place anyway?
No.
Food waste is collected separately. It is taken to a specialist facility where it is turned into:
- renewable energy
- fertiliser for farmland
This helps reduce landfill and supports a more sustainable waste service.
We don’t produce much food waste – does it still matter?
Many households think they produce very little food waste. However, research shows that most homes produce food waste regularly, even if it’s only small amounts.
Every bit collected makes a difference when added together across the borough.
