Food waste contamination
We collect food waste from properties that have a wheelie bin. You should have a small kitchen food waste bin, and a larger outdoor food waste bin.
We cannot collect your food waste bin if it's contaminated, as this will spoil the composting process.
Common contamination items
Please do not put any of these in your food waste bins.
Packaging of any sort
This includes anything that is labelled as biodegradable. Biodegradable simply means that the material can decompose under controlled conditions, but this does not mean it will break down quickly enough during the composting process.
Packaging should be recycled where possible, or put in your rubbish bin.
Plastic bags
These do not break down during composting. Please only use compostable bags or newspaper to line your caddy. You can buy compostable bags from many local supermarkets, or online from various suppliers, like getcomposting.com.
They must be 100% compostable liners, certified as BS EN 13432:2000 and will show the compostable logo. Plastic bags can be reused, recycled at some supermarkets, or should go in your rubbish bin.
Glass, metal and paper
This does not include newspaper, which is compostable.
Put these items in your recycling bin or clear sack.
Oils and liquids
Too much liquid in a food waste bin makes it difficult to empty. Please drain off any liquids before putting food into your food waste bin.
Nappies and sanitary products
These should go in your rubbish bin.
Soil, rubble and stones
This is not suitable for composting and should be taken to Smugglers Way Recycling Centre.
Any other waste
See our A-Z of what to do with your waste for all other materials.
If the collection crew find any items in your food waste bin that are not fit for composting, it will not be collected. There is support available if you cannot remove the items or need further assistance:
- Email: streetcarecallcentre@lambeth.gov.uk
- Phone: 020 7926 9000