Time to turn your food waste into clean energy – Collections starting in West Lindsey, City of Lincoln and North Kesteven
The first food waste collection for households in West Lindsey, North Kesteven and City of Lincoln are under two weeks away, and residents are being encouraged to start using their food waste caddies soon.
Collections begin week commencing March 30 and households are being encouraged to start filling their kitchen caddies one week before their first scheduled collection with any unwanted or inedible food waste, before transferring the contents into their outdoor caddy ready for collection day.
Authorities say the new weekly service makes it easier than ever to recycle food waste separately from general waste. By taking part, residents will help reduce the amount of waste sent to Lincolnshire’s Energy from Waste facility and ensure food waste is put to good use instead.
All collected food waste will be taken to an anaerobic digestion plant in Lincolnshire, where it will be turned into renewable energy to power homes and fertiliser to support local agriculture.
A wide range of food items can go into the food waste caddy, including:
- Leftovers and plate scrapings
- Bread, cakes and pastries
- Rice, pasta and beans
- Raw or cooked meat and fish, including bones
- Raw or cooked fruit, veg and peelings
- Dairy products such as cheese, butter, yoghurt and eggs
- Egg shells
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
Residents can use the liners provided to help keep their caddies clean or reuse other household bags as liners. There is no need to buy compostable or biodegradable bags. Liners are removed during the processing at the anaerobic digestion plant before the food waste is turned into energy and fertiliser.
Even small amounts of food waste make a difference. Items like banana skins, tea bags and leftover crusts soon add up across thousands of households. With weekly collections, food waste won’t be sitting around for long.
Coun Emma Bailey, Chair of the Prosperous Communities Committee at West Lindsey District Council, said food waste collections will help residents recycle more and reduce the amount of waste going to the Energy from Waste facility. “This is an important step towards creating a more sustainable district, and we’re grateful to everyone for playing their part as the new service launches. By working together, we can make a real difference for our environment and our communities.”
Coun Danny Brookes, Chair of Lincolnshire Waste Partnership and Executive Member for Environment at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “This is a simple change that can make a big difference. By separating your food waste and using your caddy each week, you’re helping to create renewable energy and fertiliser right here in Lincolnshire.
“I’d encourage everyone to start filling their food waste caddies now so you’re ready for your first collection taking place.”
Residents are reminded to check their collection day and ensure their outdoor food waste caddy is presented for collection on their usual waste and recycling days.
For residents of South Kesteven, food waste collections will begin week commencing April 13. In Boston Borough, East Lindsey and South Holland, deliveries and collections are scheduled to start from Autumn 2026.