Collections from flats

Simpler Recycling: Introducing Food Recycling for Flats 

Colchester City Council are introducing food waste collections for all bin store flats between January and March 2026 as part of the Government's Simpler Recycling regulations. 

Q. Why is Colchester City Council introducing food recycling for flats? 
The Government’s Simpler Recycling regulations require councils to offer a food recycling service to all properties by 31 March 2026. While most residential properties and some flats already have food recycling, most flats with communal bin stores do not. Colchester City Council is now introducing food recycling collections for all flats in the city. 

Q. Why should we recycle food waste? 
Food waste makes up around 26% of non-recyclable waste from Colchester flats. Currently, this waste goes to incineration. When recycled, it can be processed through anaerobic digestion, creating renewable energy and producing fertiliser. 

Q. Are there other recycling changes for flats? 
Yes, the Simpler Recycling regulations, stipulate that CCC must collect dry recycling from all properties, this includes plastic, paper and card, tins and cans, and glass. 

We are working with landlords and managing agents to ensure bin stores have the right containers for these recycling streams. To make recycling easier, at this same time we will introduce mixed recycling of paper, card, plastics, and tins/cans, plus a separate bin for glass at all communal flat bin stores. 

Q. Who do these changes apply to? 
Initially, these changes apply only to flats that have a communal bin store. Flats with kerbside collections will not be affected at this time. 

Q. When will this happen? 
The changes will be rolled out between January and March 2026. 

Q. How often will food waste be collected? 
Food waste will be collected weekly from your bin store. 

Q. What will I receive to help me recycle food waste? 
Each flat will receive: 

• A 7-litre kitchen caddy with a free introductory roll of caddy liners 

• A leaflet explaining food recycling and bin store changes 
  Your bin store will also have a communal food waste bin. 

Q. What if I don’t receive a kitchen caddy? 
Recycling containers can be ordered through the CCC website. 

Q. Where can I buy food caddy liners? 
You can find suppliers on our website. 

They are also available from supermarkets and online retailers. 

Q. Will the food waste collections from the bin store show on my waste and recycling calendar? 

Yes, the day we will collect the food waste from the bin store will show on your individual recycling calendar. 

We will 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