Food waste

On 1 April 2025 new recycling regulations will come into effect as part of The Environment Act 2021. It will require businesses across England to ensure recycling and waste material is collected by a licensed waste collection service and to separate food waste from non-recyclable waste.

Since October 2024, CCC has offered a separate food waste collection service to our business customers, preparing them for the change and ensuring their compliance ahead of legislative changes. Typical business food customers will find that their total charges are very similar to before, dependent on usage patterns.

Any business that generates more than 5kg per week of food waste must separate this from the general waste.

Food waste goes in the wheelie bin.

Put it in the 180l Food Waste bin in either a biodegradable bag or loose.

Do not line the bin with plastic bags as they will not decompose naturally. This will result in your food waste not being collected.

Colchester City Council is unable to remove food residues at the time of collection, therefore businesses will need to regularly rinse out their wheelie bins to prevent a build-up of food residue. 

Items we collect:

• Fruit and vegetables (raw or cooked)
• Meat, fish and shellfish (raw or cooked including bones)
• Dairy products
• Bread, cakes or pastries
• Rice, pasta or beans
• Uneaten food from plates or dishes
• Teabags or coffee grounds
• Eggshells
• Kitchen roll used to wipe up food and drink spills
• Wind fallen fruit from trees

Items we do not collect:

• Any sort of packaging or plastic
• Liquids
• Oils and fats
• Pet food and litter 
• Coffee filter paper
• Biodegradable face wipes
• Lolly sticks
• Wooden cutlery
• Any other recycling and rubbish

Purchasing compostable food waste bin liners

They are available to purchase from our website in rolls of three with a minimum order of 10 rolls. 

Order your food waste bin liners

In Essex, roughly 25% of waste thrown away in the general rubbish is food waste. Not only is this a waste of money but it’s also damaging the environment. When food waste is sent to landfill, it lets off harmful greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change. However, when food waste is recycled at the kerbside, it is transformed into energy and fertiliser!