Weekly food waste collections coming to Hartlepool
What’s changing?
From autumn 2025 all councils in England must collect food waste from homes every week. This is part of the government’s plan to:
- improve recycling rates
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions
While many areas already have food waste collections, this will be new for Hartlepool and neighbouring councils.
We’re currently planning how this service will work and will share full details in the coming months.
For further information about the government's plans and simpler recycling please visit:
More information is also available at Gov.uk: Consistency in household and business recycling in England consultation - government response.
What counts as food waste?
Food waste includes anything left over from preparing or eating food, such as:
- fruit and vegetable peelings, cores and skins
- teabags and coffee grounds
- plate scrapings
- raw and cooked meat and fish (including bones and shells)
- dairy products and eggshells
- bread, rice and pasta
- pet food
Why recycle food waste?
- it reduces the amount of general waste in your bin
- food waste makes up a third of the average household bin and is now recyclable
- less waste goes to landfill which helps improve our environment
- 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
Other upcoming changes
From April 2026, councils must also collect paper and card separately from other recycling materials.
When will I know more?
We’ll share more information in autumn 2025. Please check this page regularly and follow us on social media for updates.