We’re getting ready to introduce weekly food waste recycling across Amber Valley from June 2026 as part of a phased roll-out.
The roll-out of the new service is supported by Government funding and will help us recycle more, reduce the amount of waste going to disposal and turn leftover food into something useful, such as energy and fertiliser for local farmland.
As your area becomes part of the roll-out, you will receive a small 5L indoor kitchen caddy, a larger 23L outdoor caddy, and a supply of biodegradable liners. We will share more details with you closer to your start date as different areas of the borough will receive their caddies and start collections at different times of the year.
We know this is a new routine for many households, so we have put together some frequently asked questions below to guide you through what you can put in your caddy, how collections will work and what to expect. Our aim is to make the service as simple and straightforward as possible.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please get in touch by emailing refuse@ambervalley.gov.uk.
To help you recycle your food waste easily, we will provide you with the following starter pack:
Under the new "Simpler Recycling" legislation, all local authorities in England in 2026, must collect core recyclable waste from households, including food waste separately. The food that we eat and throw away negatively impacts on the amount of carbon dioxide we emit into the atmosphere. The new food waste service will also contribute to Amber Valley Borough Council’s objective to become carbon-neutral by 2030.
If you put your food waste in your general household bin, it just ends up being incinerated (or landfilled). So please help Amber Valley recycle as much as possible and use your food waste bin when it arrives.
Food waste that is collected in your food caddy is turned into fertiliser and energy which is better for the environment.
If you separate your food waste and don’t put it in your kitchen bin, it should mean a cleaner and less smelly kitchen bin due to the frequency of collection.
As well as the environmental benefits, using your food waste bin may help you save money. You'll be able to see what types of food you and your family are throwing away and how much, then you could make changes to your shopping list, and save money on your grocery bill.
The average household throws away £600 worth of food a year.
We’re getting ready to introduce weekly food waste recycling across Amber Valley from June 2026 as part of a phased roll-out. Your new caddies starter pack will be provided in advance of the launch date in your area, this will be communicated to you nearer the time by the council.
Your new caddies starter pack will be provided in advance of the launch in your area, this will contain information on your collection start date and it will also be communicated to you nearer the time by the council.
You can include all food waste from the home, including leftovers from meals, food that has gone past its use by date, and any other food waste from your kitchen, including the following:
No packaging please.
Please do not put any of the following materials in your food waste collection:
Yes, your food waste will be collected on the same day as your usual bin collections.
Food waste is collected every week in a separate vehicle to your recycling and general waste – in dedicated food waste vehicles. Please make sure your external (large) food waste caddy is placed out for collection by 6am on your normal scheduled collection day.
Yes. Although some households may not have a lot of food waste, it is still important all food waste is sent to recycling rather than being sent for disposal.
Where food waste collections have been introduced elsewhere, residents have realised just how much food they throw away. This has resulted in them taking steps to reduce food waste and food bills.
Because your food waste will be collected weekly, it reduces the likelihood of any problems with odours or flies.
Please only use biodegradable caddy liners, we will provide a starter pack for all residents (52 liners on a single roll). The facility that processes your food waste can’t accept standard plastic bags, so using the correct liners is really important.
A reminder slip is included inside the roll to let you know when it’s time to refill.
If you already receive an assisted collection, this will automatically include your food waste caddy.
Contact the team directly on 01773 841326 or email refuse@ambervalley.gov.uk
