Food waste recycling
Reducing the amount of food we waste will help us achieve our target of creating a net zero carbon borough by 2030. 30% of global CO2 equivalent emissions are caused by food production, with 8% to 10% of these emissions attributed to wasted food. In the UK, 70% of all food waste is generated by citizens in their own homes. Of the 6.6 million tonnes of food thrown away by UK households, 4.5 million tonnes could have been eaten. You can help to prevent climate disaster by reducing your food waste (you can find useful tips in the “Related Information” section below). Any food that you need to throw away can be recycled and turned into green electricity and compost.
We are now expanding communal food waste recycling to blocks and estates of 7 households and over. Residents, landlords, managing agents and RSLs can email recycling@islington.gov.uk or make a request via myeAccount. We will work with you to introduce the service. We are offering equipment, communication leaflets and collections free of charge.
What you can recycle
You can put this food waste in your food recycling bin:
- out of date food removed from its packaging
- leftover food waste straight from your plate
- tea bags
- coffee grounds
- dairy products
- fruit and veg
- fish
- seafood shells
- meat
- small bones
- bread
- pastries
- rice
- pasta
- fruit stones
- pet food
- Compostable coffee pods (these must be EN13432 certified - please check with supplier)
Please don't put your food waste in plastic bags as we can’t compost them.
You can collect free compostable bags from your local library or purchase them from local retailers.
Sign-up here to receive occasional tips and advice about recycling your food waste.