Food waste

Food waste is collected weekly using 2 caddies (bins):

• one small indoor caddy to store your waste
• one larger lockable bin which should be put out for collection
  If you don’t have these you can order them by visiting New, replacement or additional bins. 

You can also call 0300 126 7000.

You are also welcome to use your own indoor container.
 

West Northamptonshire residents already recycle over 9,000 tonnes of food waste each year.

There are many reasons why it makes sense to recycle food waste:

• it is easy and hygienic to do
• it is collected weekly
• it reduces the waste filling up your general waste bin
• it reduces your carbon footprint, which is good for the environment
• it saves money which can be spent on other council services

• all uneaten food and plate scrapings
• tea bags and coffee grounds
• baked goods such as bread, cakes and pastries
• dairy products including yoghurt, eggs and eggshells
• fruit and vegetables including raw and cooked vegetables and peelings
• out-of-date or mouldy food
• pet food
• raw and cooked meat or fish, including bones
• pasta, rice and beans

Watch our short video to find out more about what you can put in your food waste bin.

• liquids such as milk - these may leak causing spillages when transporting the food waste
• non-food products including nappies
• packaging of any kind

You can use any of the following to line your kitchen caddy to help keep it clean:

• a sheet of newspaper
• a compostable liner/bag
• a plastic liner/bag (no black bags)
• an old plastic bag like a bread bag, carrier bag or cereal bag etc

We do not supply caddy liners, but they are available at most supermarkets, household and discount stores, and online.

We suggest that you use 7 litre to 10 litre sized caddy liners. 

Both of the bins are washable and small caddies will fit in a dishwasher.

When the small kitchen caddy is full, transfer to the bigger larger lockable bin and store outside. 

To lock the bin place the handle in an upright position, locked. Please keep the outdoor bin locked and away from pets and children.

On your normal collection day please place the larger lockable bin out for collection by 6.30am.

We will be looking at rolling out Food Recycling Services to flats across West Northamptonshire over the coming months.