We provide weekly collections of food waste.
You have two blue bins for food waste. The smaller blue kitchen caddy is to use in your kitchen, and the larger blue collection bin can be kept outdoors to use when the smaller bin is full.
Need a bin?
If you haven't received a bin or yours has been lost or damaged then please let us know by using our online form.
Need more liners?
If you need more compostable liners, place your hanger on the handle of your blue collection bin on your collection day and we will deliver a new roll. Rolls of liners are delivered every 6 months with your other recycling sacks. See collection days, delivery dates and getting additional sacks for your next scheduled delivery.
Need a new hanger? Then please collect one from the Civic Centre or one of our Libraries
To check your collection day, please see our collection days page.
Please put your bin at the edge of your property by 7am on your scheduled collection day. Please note that bins should not be put out earlier than the evening before collection, and should not be placed on the public footpath or grass verge or road or you may be liable to a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Watch our presenting your recycling and waste video on YouTube.
What can go in my blue food waste bin?
You can put any cooked or uncooked food in your blue bin. Examples include:
Food waste
- leftovers and plate scrapings
- noodles, rice and pasta
- eggs and egg shells
- out of date food (please remove packaging)
Bread and pastries
- bread
- biscuits
- pastries
Tea and coffee grounds
- tea bags
- tea leaves
- coffee grounds
Fish and meat
- raw fish
- cooked fish
- fish bones
- raw meat
- cooked meat
- bones
Dairy
- cheese
- butter
Fruits and vegetables
- peelings
- fruit
- raw vegetables
- cooked vegetables
Keep your outside bin locked using the handle locking mechanism
- use the free compostable food waste liners provided to line your kitchen caddy, simply tie the top when full and put it into the large collection bin
- do not use carrier bags in your blue bin they are not compostable
- do not leave any food outside the blue bin. If you require a second food waste bin please let us know using the online form
- put your house number on your bin to make sure it is returned to you after collection
- keep your bin clean it will prevent smells, using liners will help with this
- don't forget that you can still compost at home, but items which cannot be home composted can be recycled using your blue bin
The importance of recycling food waste
Take a look at Veolias video to see how we recycle your food waste, when collected at kerbside in Southend-on-Sea.