Food waste caddies: what belongs inside
Sort food scraps, choose the right liner and keep packaging out of your food waste collection.
Food scraps and packaging
Food collections commonly take peelings, leftovers, bread, eggshells, bones, meat and fish. Empty food out of its wrapper first. Plastic trays, foil, glass, cutlery and cleaning products do not belong in a food caddy.
Which liner should you use?
Read the instructions supplied with your caddy before buying liners. Councils can specify different liner materials. Do not assume that compostable cups, food containers or coffee capsules can go in alongside an accepted caddy liner.
A simple kitchen routine
Keep a small caddy near food preparation, close the lid and empty it regularly into the outside food bin. Clean spills and let it dry. Follow local instructions for liquids and small amounts of fat; never pour cooking oil down a drain.
If you do not have a collection
Ask your council about your address, including communal bins at flats. England’s rollout has transitional arrangements for some authorities, so check the actual local start date. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own arrangements.
Compare home composting and cooking oil disposal.
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