Food waste

Why do I need to sign up to the food waste registration service?

We are improving your food waste collections to make them more efficient and environmentally friendly. If food waste vehicles only have to travel to those households using the food waste service, then this ensures we reduce our carbon footprint.

Register for food waste collections

Due to unprecedented demand, there is a delay in supplying new food waste (brown) bins. Please continue to register for the service, and we will deliver the food waste bin as soon as possible.

If you have your original food waste bin, please let us know when you register for food waste.

Do I need special containers to recycle my food waste?

The only container you need when starting to recycle food waste is the food waste (brown) bin. The majority of Sandwell residents were provided with a food waste (brown) bin in 2018.  If you have lost or damaged your food waste (brown) bin - you can apply for a new bin here.

You do not need a specific kitchen caddy to recycle food waste, you can use any large plastic tub such as an empty ice cream tub. It is an easy way to collect it before it is put in your food waste (brown) bin.

How do I recycle my food waste?

• Line a kitchen caddy or alternative container with either compostable liners, bread wrapper, old carrier bag, newspaper or kitchen roll
• When you have any food waste such as peelings, tea bags, or leftovers you can put it in your caddy - see below for more information on what can be recycled
• Empty your kitchen caddy into your food waste (brown) bin regularly
• Your food waste bin will be collected weekly and should be put out for collection each week on your collection day

Food waste is collected every week. Food waste is collected in a separate vehicle to your recycling and general waste in dedicated food waste vehicles.

Collections happen any time during the day from 5.30am and food waste collections can take place up until 4pm. All bins must be out for collection by 05.30 am on collection day, or the evening before.

I used to use the collection service but stopped - do I need to sign up?

If you haven't used your brown food waste bin for over three weeks you will need to re-register.

Missed bins

If we don’t empty your food waste container (or any other bins on your normal collection) – please let us know straight away.

Remember that only food waste and your caddy liner should be in your brown food waste container.  

Report a missed bin collection

Why recycle food waste?

If you put your food waste your non recycling (grey) bin, it just ends up being landfilled or incinerated. So help Sandwell recycle as much as possible - use your food waste bin today.

Food waste that is collected in your brown bin is turned into fertiliser and energy which is better for the environment.

If you separate your food waste and don’t put it in your kitchen bin, it should mean a cleaner and less smelly kitchen bin.

As well as the environmental benefits, using your food waste bin may help you save money. You'll be able to see what types of food you and your family are throwing away and how much, then you can make changes to your shopping list, and save money on your grocery bill.

The average household throws away £480 worth of food a year, and this is even higher for families with children.

What you can recycle in the food waste bin

You can include all food waste from the 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:

• meat - raw and cooked, bones
• fish/shellfish - raw and cooked, including bones and shells
• eggs and egg products (including egg shells)
• dairy products (including cheese and yogurts)
• bread, cakes and other baked goods
• pasta and rice
• beans and pulses
• fruit - raw and cooked
• salad and vegetables - raw and cooked
• tea bags (including the bag) and coffee grounds
• lard and other hard fats
• tinned and dry pet food
• small amounts of gravy, sauces or custard left on food (larger amounts should be sluiced down the sink as with milk and fruit juice)
• any meal leftovers

No packaging please.

What you can't recycle in the food waste bin

Please do not put any of the following materials in your food waste collection:

• packaging
• cardboard
• foil
• plastic film or
• glass
• other recycling
• garden waste
• cat litter, straw or other animal bedding
• liquids

How your food waste is recycled

Food waste collected from your food waste (brown) bin is taken to a local processing site in Stourbridge. Here it is composted in an enclosed vessel (a bit like a pressure cooker) and broken down naturally by bacteria. A by-product of this process is biogas which is used to create energy, and you are left with a rich fertiliser which is used by farmers to help grow more food.

How to keep food waste collection containers clean

You can keep your food waste containers clean by lining them with old carrier bags, empty bread wrappers, vegetable bags newspaper or kitchen roll.

You can also purchase compostable liners which are available from major retailers. Look out for the compostable logo on them that confirms they are suitable and can be processed in the food waste composting/recycling process.

Both an indoor caddy and outdoor containers can be washed out using hot soapy water, white vinegar or disinfectant to keep them clean. Alternatively, the smaller caddy can be placed in the dishwasher (max 60 degrees C).

How to stop pests/animals getting into your food waste container

Ensure the lid to your food waste (brown) bin is fully closed to help keep it clean, free from odours and safe from animals getting in. When the handle is turned backwards over the lid, it is in the locked position.