Food waste

Food waste recycling supports our environment by removing waste from landfill and turning it into something useful, such as compost.

If you have a home compost bin you can put organic food waste, such as fruit/veg peelings, egg shells, tea bags and coffee grounds, into your compost bin.

Home composting

Composting at home reduces waste and can help to improve the quality of the soil in your garden. It also stops valuable natural resources from rotting in your bin, which can produce unpleasant odours, and in landfill sites.

The compost you produce can be mixed with your soil to provide nutrient-rich food product for your garden. 

You can start composting at any time of the year, but spring is ideal. Firstly, choose a composter to suit your garden and lifestyle. Compost bins come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so do your research before you buy. 

Find out more about home composting

Can I put food waste in my garden bin?

If you are a member of Biffa's green waste club and have a green garden bin - you should not put food waste into this bin.

Please continue to place this in your black bin (general waste) or try home composting.

Do Melton Borough Council offer a food waste recycling collections?

We do not currently offer a food waste collection service in Melton Borough. 

As part of the Governments Simpler Recycling reforms, we are working towards introducing food waste to our residents and anticipate this could be in place in April 2028. 

If you do not have a compost bin you should put all your food waste into your black bin (general waste). 

Please do not put food waste in your brown bin (recycling) – it can contaminate a whole load of recycling, which will all be rejected.