We are now introducing free food waste collections for flats and any properties that have not yet received our food waste collection service.
This will be a phased roll out and those eligible will be sent letters before the installation or provision of dedicated food waste recycling bins.
To recycle your food waste, follow these simple steps:
- Place food waste into your 7-litre caddy which we can provide or use your own container. You can line your caddy with compostable liners, newspaper, or use no liner at all.
- Take your food waste to your nearest communal food waste bin, as many times as you like during the week. We will empty this bin weekly.
What can I put in the food waste caddies?
Use for food scraps and unwanted leftovers including:
- fish, meat and bones
- leftovers and plate scrapings
- bread, rice and pasta
- fruit and veg peelings
- teabags and coffee grounds.
How to use your food caddies:
- line your indoor food caddy with a compostable liner newspaper or use no liner at all
- when you need to empty your caddy, tie the top of the liner and put it in the outdoor food container
- The 7-litre caddies are designed so you can wash them or put them in a dishwasher, you can also use your own container to collect food waste in.
Do not put any of these in the food caddies:
- packaging of any kind
- liquids such as milk or oil
- any plastic bags and film
- garden waste (read our advice on what to do with garden waste)
- pet waste.
Help us set up the service
Some flats may take a little longer to set up, like:
- flats above shops
- flats and mansion blocks without space for bins
- small blocks with less than 8 flats which often already have a collection service
- blocks where collection points have not been agreed.
Get in touch if you're in a flat and have not had any information or would like to know more.
Email: newbins@lbhf.gov.uk
Phone: Cleaner Greener on 020 8753 1100
Property managers and landlords
By 31 March 2026 food waste collection alongside separate recycling collections from the flats you manage will be compulsory.
Please get in contact so we can work with you to make sure the new service is introduced smoothly.
We'll let you know what services we can offer to your property such as our 140 litre brown food waste bins.
Then we will arrange delivery of the bin, caddies and information leaflets to your property and assist with distribution to residents as best we can.
Frequently asked questions
Why are you introducing the food waste service?
Around one third of our black bag waste is food waste. By taking part, you will reduce the amount of general waste we collect, saving vital funds which can be reinvested in things like schools and adult social care.
We also have a legal duty to ensure this service is supplied to all residents by the end of March 2026.
I have not yet received a food caddy
Please contact your property manager to organise this. Or alternatively, email newbins@lbhf.gov.uk for advice.
I do not have space for the caddy, what should I do?
The kitchen caddy is only 7-litre capacity and is designed to be kept on a kitchen work surface or under the sink. You can use your own container which can be any size if you prefer something more stylish or it fits better in your kitchen.
Can I get more liners?
Residents will receive a roll of compostable caddy liners with the delivery of their indoor food waste caddies to get them started with the new service.
Once this roll has been used up, residents can choose to line the caddy with newspaper or buy replacement liners at a local supermarket. Caddies can also be used without a lining and washed between collections.
Please do not use plastic bags to line your food waste caddy.
Where can I find my communal food waste bin?
We will notify you where to find your closest food waste recycling bin. If you have a bin store at your property it is likely the dedicated food waste recycling bin will be located in this area.
How do I use the service if I currently place my waste and recycling directly onto the street?
We will let you know where the closest food waste recycling bin is to you and it is likely you will start to see these pop up on the street outside your properties.
My property has shared wheeled bins, how do I use the food waste service?
Please get in touch with us at newbins@lbhf.gov.uk and we will let you know what service you can make use of.
Will I have to pay for the new bins?
We will be offering a free communal food waste bin to all properties, however if you would like to have a food waste housing unit please get in touch with us. The property manager can request this from us as well.
I am worried about the food waste smelling and attracting foxes and other vermin?
We find by placing food waste in the secure containers rather than open bins or rubbish chutes, it can reduce problems caused by foxes and other vermin as well reducing odours.
I’d like to recycle my food waste, but I’m worried the food waste bin will smell?
No, food waste is collected weekly so it will not smell. Do not forget to empty your kitchen caddy regularly into the outside food bin and tie your liners. By recycling your food waste, you will take the smelliest content out of your waste, which will reduce bad odours in your general waste bin.
The indoor caddies are small enough to wash or place in your dishwasher.
What if I do not produce any food waste?
Remember there is no amount too small. The best thing we can do with our food is to enjoy it; but some waste like banana skins, tea bags, out of date food and plate scrapings are inevitable. These can all be recycled.
Where does my food waste go once it is collected?
Your food waste, once collected, is taken to the West London Waste Authority. From there, it is taken to a special anaerobic digestion plant in South London where it is turned into fertilizer for local farms and energy for the national grid. A by-product of the process is biogas which is then used to power homes and businesses.
I am unsure how to dispose of my waste or recycling currently what should I do?
Please do get in touch with recycling@lbhf.gov.uk and we will be able to advise you of your current way to recycle and dispose of general waste at your property.