From April 2026 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
All householders in Hartlepool should now have received their food waste caddies, with the exception of some communal properties and rural properties.
How collections work
Your outdoor food bin will be emptied by the collection crew into the vehicle. To make the service more efficient, crews may use a larger 140-litre wheelie bin to consolidate waste before loading it into the truck.
If you are on the assisted collection service, your food waste bin will be collected from your property.
Please note:
- we cannot accept side waste. All food waste must fit inside the provided bins.
- to identify your bin after collection, add a number or sticker to it.
Missed collections
Report a missed food waste collection within 48 hours using our online form:
Replacement bins
If your bin is lost or stolen, you can:
Please note:
- we do not supply replacement indoor caddies.
- a fee applies for replacement 23-litre bins.
Keeping bins clean and secure
Food waste will be collected weekly, so smells should be less than with general waste. To keep your caddy fresh:
- empty liners more often in warm weather
- clean and disinfect regularly
- sprinkle bicarbonate of soda to reduce odours
- keep the lid closed and store away from sunlight
- avoid overfilling liners
Outdoor bins have lockable lids to prevent wildlife access. Make sure bins are secured and no waste is left outside.
Flats and shared bins
All residents will be given an indoor caddy. Flats and apartments will have a communal outdoor bin. You can share a bin with a neighbour if you wish, but please agree who will put it out for collection. As flats do not always have a suitable place for us to deliver caddies to, if you live in a flat and have not received your caddy, please let us know by calling 01429 523333 or emailing waste.management@hartlepool.gov.uk.
Food waste liners
Each household will receive one roll of liners for the indoor caddy when the bins are delivered. Additional liners can be bought from most supermarkets
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
Further information
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.