Weekly food waste collections coming to Hartlepool - What you need to know
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
While many areas already have food waste collections, this will be new for Hartlepool and neighbouring councils.
We are rolling out a phased collection service for food waste, starting in the Rossmere area of the town.
Check if your property is receiving a collection
Food waste collections
All residents will be informed when their collection will commence, please keep an eye out for a yellow tag which we will place on your general waste bin with more information. Please also keep checking our food waste collection checker and social media for further updates.
When bins will be delivered
We will start delivering food waste bins and caddies to households from autumn 2025. All residents will have their bins by April 2026.
Bin sizes
Each household will receive:
- a 23-litre outdoor caddy for kerbside collection
- a 5-litre indoor caddy for your kitchen
If you have limited space indoors, you can use a smaller container of your own.
When collections start
Food waste collections will begin with a trial in November and December 2025. The full service will be available by April 2026.
This supports the Government’s plan for weekly food waste collections across England by 31 March 2026.
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.
You will be told your collection day before the service starts. You can also use our online find my bin day service.
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 receive 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.
Food waste liners
Each household will receive one roll of liners for the indoor caddy when the bins are delivered.
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.
Waste and recycling service
Can’t find the information you need or want to get in touch? Please use our online contact form