Food waste caddy - flats
Coventry City Council will introduce a new weekly food waste recycling service for all properties across the city, including flats and high-rise blocks. The service is part of national plans to recycle more waste and reduce the amount sent for landfill and incineration. Food waste collections across Coventry are planned to start in September 2026.
1. When will the service be introduced?
All flats will receive a food waste caddy over the summer. Delivery starts in July and will be completed before the end of August. Food waste collections across Coventry are set to start the week beginning 7 September 2026.
2. Why are we introducing a food waste service?
We are introducing a separate food waste service to improve recycling, reduce food waste and because it is an instruction from the Government. All councils must provide a separate weekly food waste collection. The launch of Coventry City Council’s food waste service is funded by the Government.
3. What you need to do?
To recycle your food waste, follow these simple steps:
- Put your food waste in your caddy, which is small enough to sit on your kitchen countertop
- You can line your caddy with compostable liners, old newspapers or paper bags
- Take your food waste to your shared/ communal food waste bin as many times as you like during the week
- We will empty the bin weekly
4. What happens to your food waste?
Your food waste will be taken to an anaerobic digestion facility, where it is recycled into nutrient-rich fertiliser. This fertiliser is used to support local farmers and improve soil quality. The process also produces a gas, which is used to generate renewable energy and electricity - more information on how Coventry City Council processes your food waste.
5. What goes into your caddy?
Yes
- All uneaten food and plate scrapings
- Eggs and eggshells
- Mouldy and out-of-date food
- Rice, pasta and beans
- Raw and cooked fish and meat, including bones
- Pet food
- Bread, cakes and pastries
- Dairy products, cheese and yoghurt
- Teabags and coffee grounds
- Raw and cooked vegetables and fruit, whole and peelings
No
- Packaging, including 'biodegradable' packaging
- Liquids
- Oil or liquid fat
- Non-food items
- No garden waste or flowers
- Pet waste
6. We encourage you to take part in the new food waste recycling because it:
- can help you save money on your food shop
- frees up space in your bins
- helps to look after the environment
- generates electricity
- makes clean, renewable power while caring for and protecting the environment
7. Will my caddy start to smell?
If you regularly empty your kitchen caddy into your outside food waste recycling bin and tie up the liners, you will avoid bad smells in your kitchen. You can also use newspaper to line your food waste container as it is compostable. You may also choose to give your caddy a quick rinse between each use.
8. Replacement caddy liners
We will send you a starter pack of compostable liners for your caddy. Once these run out, you can buy more liners from retailers if you want to. When purchasing liners, ensure they are marked as compostable.
9. How can I reduce food waste and save money?
- Plan meals and cook the right amount. Love Food Hate Waste / Preventing food waste has tips on how to do this
- Use up your leftovers; the national Love Food Hate Waste / Preventing food waste has lots of ideas
- Eat or freeze food before the ‘use-by’ date
- Composting is also a great option for food waste
- Freeze as much as you can (check the packaging for storage instructions)
10. Meet the Waste Education Team
Come and speak to us at one of our community events. Our team offers advice, answers your questions and shares practical tips to help you reduce waste and recycle more.
Summer 2026 events
- 15 August – Sports Fest, Broadgate House (11am to 4pm)
- 1 September – Summer Fun Day, AT7, Bell Green Road (11am to 4pm)
- 14 September – Coventry University Freshers' Week (11am to 4pm)
- Every Tuesday and Thursday – Hagard Community Centre, Willenhall (8.30am to 12.30pm)*
- 14–19 September – Love Bell Green Event, Bell Green Market Square (8.30am to 12.30pm)
*Attendance at this event is subject to Waste Education Team availability.
Please note that this list is subject to change.
If you are organising a community event and would like the Waste Education Team to attend, please contact us. Where available, we also bring information packs, giveaways and games.