Food waste collections are coming to households across West Sussex!

Why are collections changing? 

New separate food waste collection services are being introduced across West Sussex, due to 'Simpler Recycling' legislation introduced by central government, which means that all households in England will need to be able to recycle the same materials.  

Any food items you would usually throw into your bin can go into your food waste bin such as tea bags, plate scrapings and crusts. Even items that can’t be composted, like bones and cooked meat. The only items that can’t go into the food waste bin are oils and liquids, plastic packaging, or any other non-food items.  

When food waste is collected and processed separately it produces biogas, that is turned into electricity and compost like material which can be spread on agricultural land as soil fertiliser. This enables closed loop recycling and longer-term compliance and contribution to recycling rates, allowing us to work towards future national recycling targets.  

How do the collections work? 

Most households in West Sussex will receive a kitchen caddy and external food waste bin, with an initial roll of compostable liners, although this is slightly different for residents in flats or with communal bins. Put your postcode into our website to find out more about the new food waste collection service and what it means for you. Residents in Mid Sussex were issued their caddies and food waste bin late last year, without liners. 

Find out more about food waste collection

The new collections can highlight how much food is wasted each week in your home, and this can help you reduce the amount of food that goes in the bin. It can also save money if you buy less food or use up leftovers rather than throwing them away. There is more information on how to use up leftovers, food storage tips, and information on local food rescue services on our ‘Fight Against Food Waste’ page.   

What happens to the food? 

The videos on the West Sussex Recycles YouTube channel show you more about what can go into the caddy when the service starts in your area, as well as the anaerobic digestion process it will go through once it has been collected.

Food Waste Action Week

Here in West Sussex, up to 40% of the contents of an average household's general waste bin is food waste! From bread and milk to fresh vegetables and leftovers, the food we buy with the best intentions, often ends up in the bin.

The average household of four will waste £1,000 on food that gets thrown away instead of eaten. But it doesn't have to be this way! 

This week, Food Waste Action Week returns with a rallying cry:  Make Your Food Go Fuuuuuuuurther . The UK's biggest annual food waste prevention campaign aims to inspire simple, practical actions that helps food go further - saving money, time and stress. 

In this new campaign from Love Food Hate Waste, themed daily content will show how everyday tips for preventing food waste unlocks value across every part of our lives. From meal planning tips and smart storage solutions to creative leftover recipes and recycling reminders. Keep an eye on our social media channels to see how you can take action on food waste! 

Recycling Centres switch to extended hours

From April 1 2026, Recycling Centres across West Sussex will switch to their extended spring / summer opening hours. As many of us begin tidying our gardens or clearing out our homes, Recycling Centres can become very busy over the summer period. Extending the hours helps manage this increased demand. 

Don't forget, to visit any of the Recycling Centres you will need to book an appointment online. Bookings can be made on the day or up to two weeks in advance and are for 15 or 30 minutes, depending on the centre.

Book your slot

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Interested in waste prevention and recycling? Subscribe to the West Sussex Recycles newsletter here for monthly stories, hints and tips on waste prevention, recycling and reuse. You could also follow @WSRecycles on social mediato keep updated!

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