Phase 1 starts Monday 9 February

Weekly food waste collections will begin in Southampton from Monday 9 February 2026, following a government requirement for councils to introduce separate food waste collections as part of national waste reforms being rolled out across England.

For households with individual wheelie bins, food waste collections will be introduced in three phases.

• Phase 1 will start from Monday 9 February
• Phase 2 from Monday 9 March
• Phase 3 from Monday 6 April.

Phase 4, which includes the majority of flats with communal bin stores or shared waste areas, will follow later in the spring.

Residents can check when collections will start for their address using the council’s online postcode look-up tool.

The new service is being introduced with the support of government grant funding, which is helping to cover the initial set-up costs, including containers and vehicles.

Turning Waste Into Energy

Food waste collections will help reduce the amount of waste sent for incineration, reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure food scraps are put to better use. Recycling food waste allows it to be converted into biogas for energy and fertiliser.

Every household will receive a small 5 litre kitchen caddy and a larger 23 litre outdoor food waste bin. Most flats will use communal food waste bins.

Food waste will be collected weekly, which will help keep waste hygienic and reduce smells. The outdoor bins are sealed and lockable, and residents simply place contents of their indoor caddy directly into the outdoor bin.

To support the new service, the council has invested in a fleet of new food waste collection vehicles, with food waste being prioritised as part of the city’s waste and recycling operations.

Getting A Greener Southampton

The introduction of food waste collections supports the council’s City Plan, particularly commitments to create a cleaner, greener Southampton, reduce carbon emissions, improve neighbourhoods, and deliver efficient, reliable services for residents.

Councillor John Savage, Cabinet Member for Environment and Net Zero, said:

“Weekly food waste collections are being introduced across Southampton as part of a national programme, supported by government funding.

This new service makes it easier for residents to recycle food waste, cut down on what goes in general waste bins, and play a direct role in reducing our environmental impact.

By getting involved, residents can help make Southampton a cleaner, greener city and support the priorities set out in our City Plan.”

Further information, rollout updates and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the council’s website.

https://www.southampton.gov.uk/bins-recycling/recycling/recycle-your-food-waste/