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Why recycle food waste?

Food waste that is sent to landfill doesn’t harmlessly breakdown. It has a big impact on the environment as it rots and releases methane – a harmful greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. However, it’s not all bad news as many of us will be able to recycle our food waste.

Handy guide to recycling your left over food 

Most uneaten food can be recycled in your food waste caddy. Check the chalkboard below to ensure you are recycling everything you can. Make a note of what you can't recycle too - that's just as important!

Food waste chalk board

Local food waste collections

Many councils offer a food recycling collection service. The schemes vary, with some councils collecting food waste mixed in with garden waste, while others collect the food waste separately. To find out whether you have a local food waste collection enter your postcode into our Recycling Locator tool.

If you don’t have a collection take a look at some of the below options:

  • Why not try composting at home? 
  • Read our tips on recycling food at home.
  • Visit the Love Food Hate Waste website to see how you can reduce your food waste and save money.

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Recycling knowledge

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The Waste and Resources Action Programme (which operates as WRAP) is a registered UK Charity No. 1159512 and registered as a Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales No. 4125764.

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