Food Waste

Food Waste Collections

Why are food waste collections being introduced?

All Councils in England are required by the Government to introduce weekly food waste recycling collections in 2026. This means that food waste will be collected separately in a designated food waste caddy, in addition to existing recycling and rubbish collections.  Harborough District Council will receive over £1 million in funding from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to support the roll out of food waste.

By collecting food waste separately, we can generate cheap and clean energy, turn waste products into fertiliser for farmers, cut greenhouse gas emissions, boost recycling, and reduce disposal costs. This is good for residents, good for our environment and good for present and future generations across Harborough District.  It will also serve as a timely reminder of how much food we throw away and how we can all save money by reducing waste. 

The food waste will be sent to an anaerobic digestion plant where it will be processed to generate sustainable energy rather than being lost to landfill. The Government suggests this could all help to cut the 18 million plus tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions associated nationally with this waste.

When will the service start?

Food waste collections will start week commencing 2nd November 2026. This will be a weekly service and food waste will be collected on the same day as we collect your other waste and recycling, but by a separate vehicle.

What will we provide?

  • A small (7-litre) kitchen caddy for depositing food waste indoors
  • A starter roll of bags – an initial supply to keep your kitchen caddy clean
  • A larger (23-litre) lockable outside food waste recycling caddy which we will empty every week
  • An instruction leaflet with details of what food waste can be recycled to help get you started

When will I get my caddies? 

We will deliver caddy packs to all households in the District during August and September 2026.  We anticipate this will take six to eight weeks. Your caddies may not be delivered on your usual collection day; it could be any day of the week (Monday – Friday).  

You don’t need to be home to receive your caddies, but if you’re planning to be away from your home for a longer period, you may wish to ask a friend or neighbour to look after your caddies until you return. 

What can I put in my food waste caddy?

Yes please: 

  • Meat and fish (raw/cooked/bones) 
  • Fruit and vegetables (raw/cooked) 
  • Peelings 
  • Leftovers (including plate-scrapings) 
  • Dairy (cheese/yoghurt, etc) 
  • Eggshells 
  • Pasta and rice 
  • Bread, cake, pastries and other baked goods 
  • Tea bags/leaves and coffee grounds 
  • Pet food 
  • Out-of-date/mouldy food (without packaging)

No thanks: 

  • Food packaging - even compostable packing 
  • Black bin bags or liners 
  • Plastic (other than the liner bag) 
  • Glass 
  • Tins, cans and foil 
  • Any liquids including oil and liquid fats 
  • Pet waste (faeces)
  • Garden waste and flowers 

How to recycle food waste

It’s as easy to recycle your food waste as to put it in your kitchen waste bin, you’re just putting it into a separate container. Simply follow the steps below:

  1. Put a bag in your kitchen caddy. Please do not use black liners or black bags.
  2. Put any food waste in it.
  3. When full, remove the bag, tie the top and put it in your outside food waste recycling caddy.
  4. Put your food waste recycling caddy out for collection by 7am every week on your usual wheeled bin collection day.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find answers to frequently asked questions about food waste here.