We know that a significant proportion of our rubbish, 44%, is food waste so this means we send, 169,800 tonnes to be buried in the ground- what a waste!

When waste food and scraps from our kitchens is deposited in landfill sites it decomposes, often producing methane, which contributes to climate change.

How can I compost my food waste?

If you live in Peterborough City please use a home compost bin. You can compost most food waste except meat, bones and dairy products. Peterborough City Council does not collect food waste in the brown bin scheme. This should be used for garden waste only.

If you live in Cambridgeshire you can put food waste into your green or brown composting bin or paper sack. Some partners provide kitchen caddies to make collection of these materials easy. Just empty the contents into your bin or sack when full.

What happens to my food waste?

Food waste that is collected and sent for composting goes to two Composting Contractors (at Waterbeach and Ellington) that are able to safely compost food waste with garden waste. The sites has passed stringent tests, set by Central Government and other authorities, to be able to do this.

Frequently asked Questions

Q) What else can be included in my kerbside composting collection?

For a full list of what can be included in your collection please visit our Recycling Rubbish page.

Q) Where can I get a kitchen caddy?

A) Please contact your Recycling officer. See numbers on our contacts page.

Q) Why is the collection different in Peterborough?

A) Peterborough City's composting facility is not currently licensed to compost food waste. The city council is considering plans to address this.

Q) I live in Peterborough, how can I compost my food waste?

A) The best way is through home composting. You can home compost most food waste except, meat bones and dairy products. It is best to mix it with some garden waste to ensure the compost bin works properly. Please see our home composting page to find out more about composting and buying a bin.

Q) How can I stop flies and maggots in my kerbside composting collection?

A) Maggots in bins can be a worry in the summer but this is actually not a common occurrence. This can easily be avoided by wrapping food waste in newspaper or using small paper sacks that may be provide by your local council. Putting some garden waste on top of food waste in the bin also helps.
Tiny black flies in the bin are fruit flies and are harmless.

For a full list of what can be included in you collection please visit our Recycling Rubbish Secion.