Northern Ireland is leading the way when it comes to food waste recycling, with 80% of us already doing it regularly. Even so, latest research suggests that a third of what’s in our rubbish bins is food – and most of that could have been eaten!
From coffee grounds and fruit peel to plate scrapings and those out-of-date items forgotten in the fridge, we all create food waste from time to time. Even small amounts can be recycled, so let’s make the kitchen caddy the only place for food waste.
If you’re filling your caddy more than expected, simple actions like making a meal plan and better storage can help make the most of the food you buy. Visit Love Food Hate Waste for more information.
What can go in your kitchen caddy?
All uneaten food and plate scrapings
Bread and pastries
Cooked and raw meat, fish and bones
Fruit and vegetable peelings
Mouldy or out-of-date food (removed from packaging)
Non-liquid dairy products, eggs and eggshells
Rice, pasta and beans
Compostable tea bags and coffee grounds
What can't go in your kitchen caddy?
Any material that isn't food waste
Liquids such as milk or cooking oil
Packaging of any kind
If you are unsure what items you should put in your food waste caddy, check your local council's website for more information.
Keep your kitchen caddy clean
Four top tips from regular food recyclers to keep your caddy clean:
- 1
Make sure your caddy lid is fully closed to keep flies out
- 2
Use a compostable liner
- 3
Empty the caddy every few days
- 4
Give the caddy a rinse or wipe with kitchen roll between empties
What happens to the food waste you recycle?
Most food waste in Northern Ireland is recycled into compost and soil conditioners, returning valuable nutrients and organic material to the soil. This video from 2021 has more information on the process.
Some of the food waste collected in Northern Ireland is used to create green energy through the process of anaerobic digestion.
Learn where your recycling goes and what happens next on My Recycling NI.
How is food waste recycling collected where you live?
Enter your postcode below to check how and when food waste is recycled where you live, along with contact details for your local council if you need more information.
Explore more
For more simple ways to save food, save money and save our planet, visit the Love Food Hate Waste website.