While food waste containers are being delivered across Derby, residents are reminded that weekly collections will only begin from 31 March 2026. The change is being introduced by councils nationwide following Government reforms to waste legislation. 

Containers are being delivered early and in stages, as more than 100,000 are distributed across the city. This phased approach ensures every household receives what they need in time for the service. Each household will receive a complete food waste set — including a 23-litre outdoor container, a 5-litre kitchen caddy and a printed guide — before their first collection. Residents are asked to put their house number on the green container and keep it safe until the service begins.  
 
Residents can use any type of bag or liner when collecting food waste, including reused household bags such as bread, potato or frozen food bags, as well as plastic or compostable liners. The processing system is designed to remove all bags and liners (plastic or compostable) before food waste is recycled into renewable energy and fertiliser. By reusing bags you already have, you give them a second life and avoid the environmental impact of producing specialist liners.

Delivery updates and local areas 

Households in Mickleover, Littleover and Heatherton Village have already received their food waste containers. Deliveries are currently taking place in Mackworth, with Allestree scheduled next. We aim to ensure all households receive everything they need before the service is due to start. 

If residents have seen deliveries taking place in their area and believe they may have been missed, they are asked to wait one working day before letting us know online at derby.gov.uk/binrequests. The team will ensure a set is provided before the service starts. 

Flats and shared accommodation will receive information and containers designed to meet their specific needs. A council officer will visit these properties to make sure the correct containers are assigned. 

A reminder for eager recyclers 

The Council has welcomed the enthusiasm from residents who have already received their containers. However, food waste should only be put out for collection from 31 March 2026, on the usual bin day. Until then, residents should continue to use their brown bin (where available, according to their collection schedule) or their black bin, keeping food waste containers safe until the service begins and keeping the printed guide handy during the entire year. 

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Parks and Leisure, said: 

It’s been great to see how enthusiastic Derby residents are about recycling their food waste — we may already have a few local binfluencers leading the way! For now, we just ask that people put their house numbers on containers and keep them safe. With collections due to start at the end of March, we recommend people don’t start to recycle their food waste until the week before. From 31 March you can present your new container on your normal bin day.

Residents can find full details about Derby’s new weekly food waste collections at derby.gov.uk/bins.