South Norfolk food waste collections
You’ll soon be able to recycle your food waste as part of a new free weekly collection service in South Norfolk.
Food waste collections will be rolling out in phases from July 2026, with all households included by the end of September 2026.
This initiative will help us cut down on waste and transform leftovers into energy and fertiliser, creating a cleaner, greener South Norfolk.
What you’ll receive
- A small indoor kitchen caddy
- A 23 litre outdoor food waste bin
- Liners to keep your caddy clean
Simply pop your food waste into the caddy, such as peelings, leftovers, and out-of-date food, then empty it into your outdoor bin. We’ll collect it weekly, on the same day as your recycling and rubbish.
Why is this happening?
These changes are part of the Government’s Simpler Recycling legislation, which requires all councils to:
- collect a core list of recyclable materials
- provide weekly food waste collections
This ensures consistency across the country, making recycling easier and helping to boost national recycling rates.
Who is paying for these changes?
The Government is providing additional funding to help councils set up new recycling and food waste collection services.
Will my collection day change?
There will be no changes during rollout. However, collection days may change in future due to service demands, such as new housing developments.
Food waste will be collected weekly, on the same day as your rubbish or recycling by a separate vehicle.
What about flats and communal areas?
We are currently reviewing bin provision for flats and working with landlords and management companies to ensure everything is ready. The service will be rolled out to flats after the initial kerbside rollout.
What happens next?
- 5-6 weeks before your service starts you'll receive a leaflet with your start date.
- Around 1-3 weeks before your service begins your kitchen caddy, outdoor food waste bin and liners will be delivered.
Food waste FAQs
- Fruit and vegetables – all parts, including peelings and cores
- Meat and fish – including bones and chicken carcasses
- Dairy products such as cheese, eggs and eggshells
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
- Bread, pastries and cakes
- Pasta, rice and beans
- Mouldy and out-of-date food
- Leftovers and food scrapings from your plate
- Pet food - wet and dry cat and dog food
Your food waste is broken down in sealed tanks by a process called anaerobic digestion, which create a natural biogas to be used as a fuel to generate renewable energy as well as producing a nutrient rich bio-fertiliser to be used on farmland.
Recycling your food waste is better for the environment. Rotting food generates methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) and contributes to global warming and climate change.
When recycled, food waste can be turned into something useful. Your food waste will be taken to a special processing plant in the UK where it is used to generate electricity and fertiliser which can be used in farming.
Additionally, your rubbish bin will be cleaner, less smelly and less full.
That’s great, but some food waste such as meat, fish, bones and dairy products, can be difficult to compost at home. Not everyone has the space or ability to compost, so this service is a helpful alternative.
Visit the Norfolk Recycles website to learn more about home composting and access subsidised composting equipment.
Even small amounts make a difference. The best thing we can do with food is enjoy it, but some waste is unavoidable, like banana skins, tea bags and vegetable peelings, all of which can be recycled. In fact, just one banana skin can generate enough electricity to charge a mobile phone twice!
Garden waste is processed differently and cannot include food waste. Food waste must be collected separately to comply with regulations and ensure its properly recycled.
Food waste is collected weekly to help prevent smells. Empty your caddy into the outdoor food bin regularly and give both a quick rinse. Your outdoor bin also has a lockable lid to keep smells contained and pests out.
The caddy is compact and designed to take up as little space as possible. Many people keep it under the sink, next to their kitchen bin or on the worktop. You can also use your own container if you prefer.
We encourage everyone to reduce waste where possible. Visit the Food Savvy website for tips and resources.