Following a successful pilot, a food recycling service is being introduced to every resident who lives in a flat above a shop in the borough.
The service makes it easy to recycle food waste using communal on-street food recycling bins located close to your home.
Getting started
To help residents use the new service, we are providing free food recycling starter kits containing:
- indoor kitchen caddy
- roll of liners
- guidance on how to use the service
Engagement teams will be visiting properties to deliver these kits directly to residents. If you are not at home when they visit, they will leave a postcard card with details of how to collect your kit from your nearest Brent library.
How to use the service
- Line your food caddy. Use the liners provided.
- Place all your cooked and uncooked food in your caddy.
- Every few days, tie the liner securely. We recommend not waiting for it to be more than 2/3rd full before emptying it.
- Drop it in your nearest communal food recycling bin.
What can I recycle?
You can recycle all cooked and uncooked food scraps, including:
- Fruit and vegetable peelings
- Meat, fish and bones
- Bread, rice and pasta
- Dairy products
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
- Leftovers and plate scrapings
What cannot go in the food waste bin?
Please do not place any of the following items in the food recycling bin:
- Packaging of any kind
- Liquids
- Cooking oil and fats
- Plastic bags
Why recycle food waste?
Food waste makes up a large proportion of the rubbish thrown away by households. In fact, up to 40% of the average household black bag waste can consist of food.
When food waste is recycled separately, it is recycled in a special plant, where it is turned into:
- renewable energy
- nutrient-rich fertiliser for agriculture
Did you know? Recycling just one banana peel will generate enough energy to charge your smartphone twice!
By recycling your food waste, you can help:
- Reduce the amount of waste sent for disposal
- Increase recycling rates in Brent
- Generate renewable energy
- Support a cleaner and greener borough