Food waste collection

You can join in with the food waste collection scheme [867kb] at any time and will find our FAQ's answer the majority of queries you may have.

All food items can be put in your kitchen caddy, the only exception is oils and liquids.

Remember to only use compostable food bin liners or newspaper to line your bin.

We are aware that we have some keen composters who may not wish to join in at this time.

Video clip about using your food waste caddy

How consumers add to food waste....

Poor storage, buying but not using bulk supermarket offers, confusion over 'use by' and 'best before' dates and choosing only cosmetically perfect food all add to the growing problem.

Reducing the amount of food you waste will save you money on your monthly shopping bill but we know it can be difficult when you're pushed for time or your children don't want to eat what you've cooked for them. The good news is that there is plenty of advice on the Love Food Surrey website.

Use by dates

Even if it looks and smells fine, do not use any food or drink after the 'use by' date on the label. This is because using it after this date could put your health at risk.

If food can be frozen, its life can be extended beyond the 'use by' date, check the instructions on the packaging.

Best before dates

Except in the case of eggs, 'best before' dates are about quality, not safety. When the date passes, it does not mean that the food will be harmful, but it might begin to lose its flavour and texture.

More information on food labelling can be found on the NHS website.

Targets

Spelthorne is expected to achieve a recycling target of 64%.

Food waste makes up 28% of the residual waste in Spelthorne and if sent to landfill degrades forming methane, a potent greenhouse gas. We always encourage reduction and reuse of materials together with recycling. Remember more plastics can now be recycled, such as yogurt pots and food trays but not plastic bags or films.

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