Food waste

Most households in the borough are eligible for weekly food waste collection.

We collect 3,000 tonnes of food waste from Gravesham households each year. Despite weekly collections, 25% of our food waste still ends up in the general rubbish bins.

We aim to provide all residents access to food waste recycling by March 2026.

Put your outdoor caddy out for collection by 7am every week on your normal waste collection day.

Check your bin day online

Food caddies

Outdoor food caddy bins (black with orange lid) are available to order online.

If you move house, please leave the food waste caddy for the new occupier.

You can purchase indoor kitchen caddies and compostable bin liners/bags in most supermarkets or online.

Food waste can be put straight into the outdoor food caddy but it is advised to line the caddy. The outdoor caddy's have a lockable handle to prevent pests and odours.

What food can be recycled?

No amount of food waste is too small, and you can place items in your food caddy that can't be composted in your garden, like meat and bones:

• Meat, fish and bones
• Plate scrapings
• Fruit and veg, including peelings
• Dairy products
• Bread, pasta, pulses and rice
• Teabags and coffee grounds
• Solid butter and lards
• Eggshells
• Foods past their sell by date

Remember to remove mouldy food or out-of-date food from the packaging before placing it in your caddy.

What can't go in the food caddy?

The following foods cannot be put into the food caddy

• Household rubbish
• Garden waste, clippings, leaves or cut flowers
• Liquids such as gravy, oil, juice and liquid fat
• Nappies
• Food packaging
• Pet waste or litter
• Sanitary products

Separate your food waste and help generate electricity.

Worried about the smell?

Food waste can be smelly. That is why we offer weekly collections and provide free food outdoor caddy bins.

When food is left for too long it starts to decompose. By recycling food waste weekly, you get rid of this quicker so there is less chance of developing a smell.