Food Waste Caddies to Be Delivered to Homes Across Formby Ahead of New Weekly Collections

UPDATE - There has now been a delay in the Caddies, statement issued by Sefton Council READ HERE

ORIGINAL STORY:

Households across Formby will begin receiving their new food waste recycling caddies during August, as Sefton Council prepares to launch its new weekly food waste collection service later this year.

Every household will receive two free food waste caddies. This includes a 7 litre indoor kitchen caddy, a 23 litre lockable outdoor caddy, and an initial supply of liners. The caddies are being delivered in advance so residents are ready when the new service launches.

Although Sefton Council has not yet confirmed the exact start date for Formby, the authority says the new weekly food waste collections will begin during Winter 2026/27. Further details, including individual collection dates, will be announced closer to the launch.

The new service is designed to make recycling food waste easier while reducing the amount of rubbish going into general waste bins.

Residents will be able to place all raw and cooked food waste into the kitchen caddy using the liners provided. Once full, the tied liner can be transferred to the outdoor caddy ready for the weekly collection.

Items that can be recycled include:

• Fruit and vegetable peelings

• Bread and baked goods

• Meat, fish and bones

• Dairy products

• Plate scrapings and leftovers

• Tea bags and coffee grounds

All packaging should be removed before food is placed in the caddy.

Once collected, the food waste will be taken to an anaerobic digestion facility, where it will be converted into renewable biogas and a nutrient rich fertiliser for use in agriculture. This helps reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions while creating renewable energy.

The new service is free and forms part of Sefton’s standard household waste collection service.

Sefton Council says food waste makes up more than 25 per cent of the average household rubbish bin. As food waste is around 70 per cent water, recycling it is far more efficient than sending it for incineration, where more energy is needed to burn it.

Even if you produce very little food waste, the Council is encouraging everyone to use the new caddies. Everyday items such as banana skins, eggshells, tea bags, coffee grounds and bones can all be recycled instead of being thrown into the general waste bin.

Residents should keep an eye out for their food waste caddies arriving throughout August, with the new weekly collection service expected to begin later in the year once deliveries have been completed across the borough.