Food waste collections
Starting in April 2026, changes to the law mean councils in England must collect food waste from all homes weekly.
The change is part of the government’s plan to improve recycling rates and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Around half of all residents in England already have a weekly food waste collection, but this will be new for South Ribble.
We are currently planning how the collections will work. We will provide full information in the coming months.
For further information about the government's plans and simpler recycling please visit:
Simpler Recycling: Government response - GOV.UK
Resources and waste strategy for England - GOV.UK
Why is the council introducing a separate weekly food collection?
From April 2026, councils will be required to collect food waste from all homes on a weekly basis as part of new Simpler Recycling legislation. The change is part of the government's plan to make it easier for residents to recycle, improve recycling rates and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Food waste is estimated to contribute 8-10% of global man-made greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Food waste is currently the largest single material found in residual waste bins, making up approximately 33% of all waste collected from householders’ general waste. Collecting food waste separately on a weekly collection will ensure that it is recycled.
The UK Government is providing councils with funding for new vehicles, containers and operating costs.
When will collections start?
Your weekly food waste collections start the week commencing Monday 13 April 2026.
Please don’t put your outdoor food waste caddy out before 13 April 2026 as we will not be able to collect it.
Your food waste collection day is the same as your other bin collection days.
What bin will I get?
New containers for food waste recycling will be delivered from 16 February to 3 April 2026.
Every household will receive:
- a 7-litre kitchen caddy
- a 23-litre outdoor food waste caddy with a secure, lockable lid
- 2 rolls of kitchen caddy liners to get you started
- an information leaflet
If your food waste starter pack hasn’t arrived by 3 April 2026, please contact us.
If you live in a property that shares communal bins, you will receive a kitchen caddy and liners. A communal food waste bin will also be delivered and stored with your communal bins.
The dimensions of the 7-litre kitchen caddy are height 23cm; width 26cm; depth 23cm.
The dimensions of the 23-litre outdoor caddy are height 40cm; width 30cm; depth 40cm.
What can I recycle in the food waste bin?
You can include all food waste from your home, including leftovers from meals, food that has gone past its use by date, and any other food waste from your kitchen, including the following:
- fruit - raw and cooked
- salad and vegetables - raw and cooked
- vegetable and fruit peelings - including banana skins, cherry stones etc
- tea bags (including the bag) and coffee grounds
- bread, cakes and other baked goods
- pasta, rice, beans and pulses
- meat - raw and cooked, bones
- fish/shellfish - raw and cooked, including bones and shells
- eggs and egg products (including eggshells)
- dairy products (including cheese and yogurts)
- tinned and dry pet food
- small amounts of gravy, sauces or custard left on food
- any meal or take-away leftovers.
What can’t I recycle in the food waste bin?
Please do not put any of the following in your food waste bins:
- liquids such as milk and oils
- packaging
- cardboard
- other recycling
- garden waste
- any material that is not food waste