Even more households will receive weekly food waste collections from early April as part of Tendring District Council’s (TDC) new waste and recycling contract.

To support the rollout, 1,400 households that had not previously received a food waste service will be provided with a kitchen caddy, an outdoor food waste recycling caddy, a one‑off roll of compostable liners, and clear instructions on how to use their new containers.

Deliveries will take place during the final two weeks of March, and containers will be left at the front of each property, with no need for residents to be at home.

From the 1 April, food waste will be collected every week, on the same day as existing recycling or black bag collections — though at a different time of day and by a separate vehicle.

Adrian Smith, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said that by recycling food waste, residents will help increase Tendring’s overall recycling rate.

“We’re really pleased that our new three-year waste and recycling contract means weekly food waste collections can be offered to even more households,” he said.

“It’s a change that will make recycling simpler for residents and reduce how much ends up in black bags.

“Because food waste is so heavy, diverting it for recycling makes a real difference — it cuts disposal costs, helps prevent animals tearing open bags, and supports a cleaner, tidier street environment.

“We’re proud of the services we provide and are committed to championing our environment, including by helping residents recycle more – and expanding food waste collections makes that easier than ever.”

Residents will be able to recycle all food waste, including plate scrapings, fruit and vegetables, meat and bones, fish, bread and pastries, dairy products, rice, pasta, beans, and tea bags and coffee grounds. Mouldy or out of date food can also be recycled, provided it is removed from its packaging.

Packaging of any kind, liquids, oils, fats, garden waste, animal bedding and faeces must not be placed in the caddy.

Households can purchase additional rolls of 52 caddy bags from local libraries for £1.80 or line their caddies with newspaper or shredded paper.

TDC’s Cabinet approved the new three year waste contract, with an option to extend for up to two years, in November.

It means that from April, residents will benefit from an improved system delivered by Veolia — with glass and wider plastic recycling introduced from October 2026. Collections of black bag waste and red/green box recycling remain unchanged.

This first phase of the food waste collection expansion will include around 1,400 street level properties that do not currently receive the weekly service. A second phase will extend the scheme to flats later in the year.

For guidance on how to use your food waste caddy, go to www.tendringdc.gov.uk/content/what-goes-in-you-food-waste-caddy.

‍