Food waste is collected every week – see your collections calendar for your collection day.
Usage and storage
Households are provided with two caddy bins. The smaller caddy bin is designed to be kept in the kitchen, and once full, the contents can be transferred to the larger bin. The larger caddy bin can be taken out for collection.
The larger caddy has a locking lid to prevent animals from scavenging. It’s advisable to keep your external caddy in a shady spot to prevent it from getting too hot, but the locking lid will keep any smell to a minimum. Weekly collections are designed to help reduce the time caddies are left out in warm weather.
Presentation
Please present your large food waste caddy at the boundary of your property by 7am on your collection day. Please ensure your large caddy is locked before presenting it for collection to prevent scavenging or spillage.
See more information on our waste presentation rules page.
Accepted items
- Fruit and vegetable peelings, pips and cores
- Meat and bones
- Fish & seafood bones and shells
- Dairy products and eggshells (except liquids)
- Teabags, tea leaves and coffee grounds
- Bread and cakes
- Cereals
- Rotten food
Liquids cannot be put directly into your food caddy. Dog waste/animal bedding must not be put into your food waste.
If the item you want to dispose of is not on this list, search for how to dispose of it or check if it can be taken to your local recycling centre on the Love Essex website.
See more in our food waste recycling guide.
Replacement bins and kitchen caddy liners
If you would like a second food waste caddy or need a new one, you can pick one up from our Kiln Road offices in Thundersley, Benfleet during normal opening hours.
You can either line your kitchen caddy by wrapping food in newspaper before placing it inside, or you can use our caddy liners.
Our kitchen caddy liner sacks can be purchased for £3.00 for a roll of 52 liners from: