If you live in a flat above a shop, you can recycle your food waste using communal food recycling bins near your home.
Following a successful trial, we are introducing the service for residents living in flats above shops across Brent.
Get started
We will provide you with a free food recycling starter kit containing:
- indoor kitchen caddy
- roll of compostable liners
- instructions on how to use the service
Our engagement team will visit your property to deliver the kit. If you're not home, we'll leave a card explaining how to collect it from your nearest Brent library.
You can use the service before collecting your kit. Put your food waste in a suitable compostable liner and take it to your nearest communal food recycling bin.
How to use the service
- Put a compostable liner in your kitchen caddy.
- Add cooked and uncooked food waste.
- Tie the liner securely before the caddy is more than two-thirds full.
- Take it to your nearest communal food recycling bin.
Get more liners
You can buy compostable liners from most supermarkets or collect a free roll from your local Brent library. Bring proof of address.
What can I recycle?
You can recycle all cooked and uncooked food scraps, including:
- fruit and vegetable peelings
- meat, fish and bones
- bread, rice and pasta
- dairy products
- tea bags and coffee grounds
- leftovers and plate scrapings
- mouldy or out-of-date food, with the packaging removed
What cannot go in the food waste bin?
Please do not place any of the following items in the food recycling bin:
- Packaging of any kind
- Liquids
- Cooking oil and fats
- Plastic bags
- non-food items
Find your nearest food recycling bin
Communal food recycling bins are being installed at selected high street locations. Sites are chosen with access, pedestrian safety, pavement width and nearby businesses in mind.
Why recycle food waste?
Food waste makes up a large proportion of the rubbish thrown away by households. In fact, up to 40% of the average household black bag waste can consist of food.
Food waste collected separately can be turned into renewable energy and fertiliser. Recycling it reduces the rubbish sent for disposal and supports a cleaner, greener Brent.
Did you know? Recycling just one banana peel will generate enough energy to charge your smartphone twice!