Start using food waste caddies ahead of new collections in Luton

The new service supports the government’s Simpler Recycling reforms, which require all councils to collect food waste separately.

Once collected, food waste will be taken to an anaerobic digestion facility, where it will be used to produce renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser, helping Luton reduce its carbon footprint and protect the environment. 

What you can put in your caddy

• fruit and vegetable peelings
• raw or cooked meat and fish (including small bones)
• tea bags and coffee grounds
• eggshells
• dairy products
• bread, cakes and pastries
• pasta, rice and beans
• pet food
• uneaten food and plate scrapings

What you should not put in your caddy

• large bones
• packaging
• liquids, oils or liquid fat
• pet waste

The small kitchen caddies can be lined with suitable bags such as bread bags, cereal bags or plastic bags. Please use clear or transparent bags and not black bags. The bags are removed during processing at the anaerobic digestion facility before the food waste is recycled. 

Food waste can be placed into the caddy and, when nearly full, the bag should be tied and transferred to the larger outdoor food waste bin.

Once the service begins, bins should be put out by 6am on your usual collection day. Residents are asked not to put food waste caddies out for collection until the service officially starts.

Councillor Ghulam Abbas, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Waste, said: “This new service will make it easier for residents to recycle food waste, reducing the amount of rubbish in our refuse bins and helping lower our carbon footprint as a town. I encourage everyone to start using their food waste caddies now so you’re ready for your first collection. 

“We all produce unavoidable food waste such as tea bags, eggshells or banana skins. While using the caddies may take a little time to get used to, they can also help people see how much food they are throwing away. Reducing food waste can save households money while helping the environment, making Luton even greener.”

The initial roll-out applies to kerbside households only. Due to the different arrangements required, food recycling services for flats will be introduced over the coming months.

More than 60,000 caddies have already been delivered across the town. Residents living in houses who have not received theirs should contact the council at: foodwasterecycling@luton.gov.uk 

For more information about how the service works and what can go in your food waste bin, visit the council’s website.