Food waste collection
From Monday 5 October 2026, we will start introducing weekly food waste collections.
Why we’re introducing food waste recycling
We're introducing food waste recycling to Solihull because:
- all councils in England will be rolling out food waste collections as part of the government's Simpler Recycling scheme
- food scraps will be turned into renewable energy and fertiliser rather than combusted (burned)
- burning food waste, which is approximately 70% water, is inefficient, so recycling it is better for the environment
The local impact
Recycling food waste can benefit the local community in many ways including:
- generating more clean energy for homes and businesses as a result of incinerating (burning) less waste
- creating nutrient-rich fertiliser which helps local farms to grow food more sustainably
What you’ll receive and when
If you live in a house or flat and have your own bin, we'll deliver two caddies to each household including a:
- 7-litre indoor caddy for your kitchen
- 23-litre lockable outdoor caddy to keep outside and deter pests
Deliveries will begin in August. However, please do not use your caddies until food waste collections start week commencing Monday 5 October 2026.
If you live in a flat and have a shared bin, our flats recycling page provides further information about different types of recycling.
How it works
- Line your caddy. You can use any bag to line your caddy as long as it is not a black bag. For example, you could use a bread bag or a bag that has been used to package salad or other vegetables. You do not need to buy special food waste liners.
- Fill your caddy with food scraps and once it's full, transfer it to your outdoor caddy.
- Make sure you use the handle to lock your outdoor caddy to prevent spillages if it gets knocked over.
- Put your outdoor caddy out weekly by 6:00am on your normal collection day.
What goes in (and what stays out)
With the exception of liquids, you can put most food waste in your food waste caddy. The list below provides an idea of the types of food waste you can put in your caddy.
It is not a complete list but if the item is/was food and isn’t a liquid, you can put it in your food waste caddy. If you are still unsure, please contact us to check.
Yes, please:
- cooked and raw food scraps, e.g. peelings, leftovers, bread, rice, pasta, cereals, biscuits, sweets, cakes
- meat and fish (including bones)
- dairy, e.g. cheese, yoghurt
- coffee grounds and tea bags
- spices, herbs, jams, peanut butter
- wet and dry pet food
No, thanks:
- liquids, e.g. oil, fat (please dispose safely as per household hazardous waste guidance)
- garden waste (please use your green bin if subscribed)
- packaging, plastic film, compostable “plant‑based” plastics that aren’t certified liners
- cat or dog litter
- nappies