Save good food first, then caddy the scraps

The food that never becomes waste is the best result of all. When some scraps are left, a food caddy sends them to a proper treatment route instead of the rubbish bin.

Applies across the UK. Food caddy rules depend on your council. Written by the BinDayBuddy team from the sources below.

1. Plan and shop for what you will eat

Check the fridge before you shop and write a short list. Buying loose fruit and veg lets you take only what you need.

2. Store food so it lasts

Keep the fridge cold, use what you bought first, and freeze bread, leftovers and portions you will not eat in time.

3. Use up what is left

Leftovers make tomorrow’s lunch. Soft vegetables go in soup. “Best before” is about quality; “use by” is about safety.

Wee Bin says: an empty caddy at the end of the week means the good food got eaten. That is a win, not a failure.

4. Caddy the scraps nobody can eat

Peelings, cores, bones, tea bags and plate scrapings can go in a food caddy where your council collects food waste. Take food out of its packaging first. Use only the liners your council accepts.

• Keep the small caddy in the kitchen with the lid closed.
• Empty it into the larger outdoor container or communal bin before collection day.
• Rinse it now and then. A little newspaper in the bottom helps, where your council allows paper.

Where the scraps go next

Many councils send food waste to anaerobic digestion. Microorganisms break it down without oxygen, making biogas for energy and digestate that can be treated and used as fertiliser. Some councils compost it instead. Your council’s route may differ. Follow the journey with Eddie and Hamish.