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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.

  1. What you can recycle
  1. What you cannot recycle

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  • out of date food removed from its packaging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 

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.

Please watch our other videos on food waste and eating sustainably

How to prevent food waste at home

Eating sustainably and healthily

Sign-up here to receive occasional tips and advice about recycling your food waste.




  3. Data protection: We will handle your personal information in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 and in accordance with the council’s Fair Processing Notice.