Household waste and recycling collections

Common questions about food waste recycling

How can I avoid getting maggots in my food waste container?

As we are collecting your food waste every week as before, there is no reason why maggots or other insects will be any more of a problem in the future, than they might occasionally have been in the past. You can minimise any concerns you might have in this respect by always keeping your caddy and outside container lids closed. Doing so and 'locking' the food waste bin will also help to discourage foxes and rodents by denying them access to the food scraps they feed off.

You could also:

• wash your caddy and container regularly with hot water
• keep your caddy and container out of the sun
• avoid keeping pet food uncovered - this is a prime location for flies to lay eggs. 

How can I avoid my food waste container smelling?

• use compostable bags or paper liners
• keep the lid to your caddy and outside container closed
• wash your caddy and container regularly with hot water
• keep your caddy and container out of the sun

What can I do about foxes and vermin?

Food waste can attract foxes and vermin but the vermin-proof containers should reduce problems with these.

Will you deliver more liners to me?

We are very sorry but unfortunately due to significant cuts to the council's budgets we are unable to continue to deliver food waste liners to you. We are currently in discussions with national retailers regarding possible sponsorship or a partnership arrangement whereby we can provide residents with free supplies.  However until further notice when you do run out, you can buy more from your library. At just £2.70 per roll (50 liners) this is substantially cheaper than other suppliers such as supermarkets. Please do not use plastic or biodegradable bags, only bags certified compostable may be used. More information about food waste liners.

Where is my food waste going?

Your food waste is sent to an industrial composter where it is heated and then breaks down naturally.  The collected food waste is currently processed in an anaerobic digestion plant, with this six to eight week process producing a soil improver suitable for agriculture and landscaping which is peat free and rich in nutrients. Find out more about what happens to your recycling.

Is it still worth me home composting?

Yes, home composting is one of the most effective and easy ways to reduce the amount of waste you produce. The food waste we collect is treated a a high temperature so we can safely 'compost' meat or fish which should not generally be composted at home. Discounted compost bins are available while stocks last. 

Can I dispose of cut flowers in my food waste collection?

Yes. You can put a small amount of cut flowers in your food waste collection but it needs to be in a compostable bag or wrapped in newspaper.

Can I dispose of grass cuttings in my food waste collection?

Sorry, no. We can't accept grass cuttings or other green garden waste in your food waste collection. If you have green garden waste you need to dispose of, why not try home composting? It is one of the most cost-effective and easy ways to reduce the amount of waste you produce, and it creates a free supply of rich, nutritious compost for your garden. Alternatively, you could use one of our seasonal green garden waste sites at locations across the borough, our reuse and recycling centres at Waldo Road, Bromley and Churchfields Road, Beckenham or our green garden waste collection service.