Items not allowed in food waste bins after new 2026 council rule change

Items not allowed in food waste bins after new 2026 council rule changeSome parts of England will be new to the food waste bin processCommentsNewsAndrew Nuttall U35 Lifestyle Writer09:18, 13 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesFood waste will be collected in a different way for some across England(Image: Peter Burnett via Getty Images/iStockphoto)People across England may be getting used to what can and cannot be thrown away in food waste bins as millions of households get to grips with major changes to how rubbish is handled nationwide. Failing to follow the new rules could lead to fines.‌The mandatory rollout was part of an approved government policy that, from March 2026, requires councils in England to implement weekly food waste collections to remove organic matter from landfills. Some areas in England have yet to adopt the new model, with plans to provide dedicated food waste bins to residents later in the year.‌Under the new England-wide rules, homes will be provided with a small indoor food caddy for everyday use and a larger 23-litre lockable outdoor bin for kerbside collection. For people new to separating their food waste into a smaller bin, it might be difficult to break habits about what now goes into a separate bin, but failing to follow these new rules might lead to fines of up to £80 for "mismanaging" waste under England's new Simpler Recycling laws.‌Which?, the consumer group, put out a set of infographics on its Instagram feed. It explained what is generally accepted and rejected within the new food waste system.A spokesperson said: "What’s acceptable to go in food waste bins may vary slightly from council to council, so it’s important to check your local council’s website to know for certain. But, generally speaking, these items should be fine to go into your food waste."Content cannot be displayed without consent‌The first full list outlines what families should put into their indoor food waste caddy before transferring it to the kerbsi...