Food Waste Collection FAQs
Welcome to the Food Waste Collection FAQ page. Here you'll find answers to common questions about how the service works, what to expect, and how to get support.
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Is the food waste collection service available to all households?
Yes. The food waste collection service is being rolled out in phases to all households and blocks of flats across the borough from Autumn 2025 to Spring 2027.
Timeline:
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Phase 1 – November 2025: 10% of the borough, both street-level properties and flats
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Phase 2 – Autumn 2026: All remaining street-level properties
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Phase 3 – Spring 2027: All remaining flats and flats above shops
For more information, please visit Check Your Collection Day
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Where should the outdoor food waste bin be presented for collection?
For street level properties, outdoor food waste recycling bins should be presented in the same location as your main rubbish and recycling bins—at the edge of your property, beside your two-wheeled bins, and as close to the pavement or property boundary (e.g., next to your gate or at the end of your drive). This ensures easy access for collection crews. Please do not put your bins on the pavement.
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Will food waste be collected with other waste?
No. Food waste is collected separately by a dedicated team and a specialised food waste collection vehicle.
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How often and on what days will my outdoor food waste bin be collected?
The outdoor food waste recycling bin will be collected weekly, on the same day as your regular recycling collection. To check your collection days, please visit Check Your Collection Day
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How is food waste managed in blocks of flats?
Blocks of flats will have large grey shared food waste recycling bins located at ground level, along with your rubbish and recycling bin/s. These are shared by residents and collected weekly.
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If I already receive an assisted collection, will I automatically receive an assisted collection of the food waste?
Yes, your property will automatically receive an assisted collection for your food waste. You can apply for the assisted caddy collection service via your My Account if you are new to assisted collections.
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What can I do if the outdoor food waste bin is not collected on the scheduled collection day?
You can report a missed food waste collection to the Council the following day between 10am and 10pm via your My Account. We collect bins between 6am and 10pm.
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What should I do if my communal block has an outdoor food recycling collection bin, but I haven’t received my kitchen caddy?
If you haven’t received your caddy, please look in all communal areas as they may have been placed there when they were delivered. You can request the introductory pack, which includes a food waste caddy through your ‘My Account’ Sign up or sign in.
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What if I have received equipment that is damaged, I haven’t received all my equipment or I suspect my equipment has been stolen?
You can report this via your My Account, and order your replacement bin. Request a new or replacement bin – Newham Council.
Only containers damaged by the delivery team will be replaced free of charge. All other cases may incur a replacement fee. Alternatively, you can buy the internal kitchen caddy from any supermarket.
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Will residents have to pay for replacement containers?
Yes, unless the damage was caused by the collection team. Charges and payment details will be available through the Council’s waste services portal.
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Will you collect my outdoor food waste bin if I buy a new one with different colour and design from any retailer?
No, the external food waste bin will have to be purchased via the Council website. Request a new or replacement bin – Newham Council. We are unable to collect bins that have not been purchased or provided by the London Borough of Newham.
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Will the outside food waste bins attract vermin or pests like foxes, mice or rats?
Both bins are designed to prevent access by animals. The outdoor food waste bin has a secure lock-style handle to keep the lid tightly closed when the handle is upright, while the communal grey food waste unit is fully enclosed. We are testing lockable lids for some flats to see which ones work best. These features stop vermin and pests such as foxes, mice and rats from getting in. Residents are reminded to keep lids closed and avoid overfilling bins to maintain hygiene and discourage animals.
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Will these new food waste caddies smell?
Liners help to keep your kitchen caddy cleaner and reduce smells. To reduce smells further, you can empty and wash you caddy regularly.
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Will you deliver more caddy liners?
You will only receive one introductory roll of liners to get you started with the new food waste collection service. When you need more liners, you can either buy these from your local supermarket or use alternative bags of your choosing.
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Do I have to use liners in the kitchen caddy?
Liners help to keep your kitchen caddy cleaner and reduce odours. However, you do not need to use them for us to collect your food waste. Alternatively, you can use paper bags or newspaper to wrap food waste or line your caddy.
If you wish to use compostable liners, please ensure that they are certified compostable and display either the composting seedling logo or the EN13432 certification mark.
