People across the west of Brighton & Hove can now recycle their food scraps as the city’s weekly food waste collections expanded into Aldrington, Hangleton, Mile Oak, Portslade and West Hove this week.
The rollout marks the third phase of the council’s food waste service, bringing the total number of participating households to 73,000. Starter packs, including indoor caddies, outdoor bins and compostable liners, have already been delivered, and households can check their new collection day on the council website.
Strong Uptake in the East
Food waste collections first launched in the east of the city in September, followed by a second phase in October. Since then, participation has grown rapidly: weekly collections have risen from six tonnes in the first week to a total of 230 tonnes by the end of November. That’s the equivalent of 3,833 wheelie bins of food waste diverted from general rubbish and recycled instead.
Once collected, the food waste is processed into compost and soil improver that goes on to support local food growing.
Councillor Tim Rowkins, Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environmental Services, said: “I’m delighted to see phase 3 starting, giving residents in the west the opportunity to recycle food waste, which currently makes up more than a third of what ends up in household bins.
“The take-up so far has exceeded all expectations. Residents in the east and north have already helped divert the equivalent of 21 fully-loaded refuse trucks from waste, turning it into a valuable resource instead.”
He also confirmed that planning is already under way for the fourth and final – and largest – phase, which will extend collections to central Brighton & Hove. When complete, by March 2026, the entire city will have access to weekly food waste recycling.
What Residents Need to Know
From December 8, residents in the new collection areas can place all cooked and uncooked food waste in their caddies. This includes:
- Fruit and vegetables
- Bread, pasta and rice
- Meat, fish and bones
- Dairy products
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
Only compostable liners or newspaper should be used, as plastic bags cannot be composted. Caddies should be placed at the edge of the property with the handle upright to keep the lid secure. Some blocks of flats will use shared food waste bins instead of individual ones.
Collections take place between 5am and 10pm. Food waste should be put out either the night before or by 5am on the day. Residents can also order replacement caddies or report missed collections via the council website.
A Citywide Shift
Brighton & Hove City Council is investing £1.2 million to ensure every household – whether kerbside, in a flat, or using communal bins – can recycle food waste by 2026.
The final phase of the rollout will cover 76,000 households in Queen’s Park, Hanover, Kemptown, Whitehawk, Central Brighton, Seven Dials, Roundhill and Central Hove.
For tips on reducing food waste at home, visit the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership.
