TEST Food recycling in flats trial
13 blocks of flats across Braintree and Uttlesford have been selected to trial a food recycling service prior to the Government’s Simpler Recycling, where all residents will receive a consistent recycling service.
Easy as 1, 2, 3!
The best thing we can do is buy the food we need, and eat the food we buy. However, sometimes food waste is unavoidable. Remember, all food can be placed in your food recycling caddy, just make sure to remove any packaging first!
Line your new food caddy with the compostable bag provided.
Store your food caddy out of direct sunlight.
Put leftovers and any other food in your food caddy.
No food items should go in your general waste bin anymore.
When your food caddy is full, take the bag down to your bin store.
Regularly emptying can prevent odours and your bags from splitting.
What can go in your food recycling caddy
All food can be recycled, including:
- food scraps and plate scrapings
- meat and fish bones
- raw or cooked food
- mouldy food
- fruit and vegetables
- eggs including shells
- cheese
- bread, cakes, and pastries
- rice, pasta, and beans
- tea bags and coffee grounds
- even crisps, sweets, and chocolate!
Things that can't be recycled and should not be put in your food caddy:
- liquids, like milk and oil
- any packaging
- pet waste
- garden waste
Please remove these items from your food recycling as they can block and damage machinery.
Watch what happens to your food recycling
How you’re doing in Uttlesford and Braintree
In 2024, Braintree district residents sent over 4,900 tonnes and Uttlesford residents sent over 3,000 tonnes of food to be recycled at the anaerobic digestion facility. This recycled food generated enough green energy to power more than 1,580 homes in a single year!
Now it’s your turn!
Food recycling myths
There are many common myths when it comes to food waste and food recycling. We're here to set the record straight!