Are Compostable Bin Bags Allowed in Food Waste Collections?
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With weekly food waste collections now in place for most homes in England, more households are using a food waste caddy than ever before. One of the most common questions is: can I line my caddy with compostable bags? The honest answer is that it depends on your council.
What's changed with food waste collections?
Under the government's Simpler Recycling rules, councils in England were required to introduce weekly food waste collections for most homes by 31 March 2026, unless a transitional arrangement applies. That means many households now have a kitchen caddy and an outdoor food waste bin for the first time.
Why the rules on liners vary
Each council decides which caddy liners it accepts, depending on how and where your food waste is processed. As a result, the rules aren't the same everywhere:
- Some councils supply their own liners and only accept those.
- Some accept certified compostable liners.
- Some have their own specific rules about what can go in the caddy.
That's why it's always worth checking before you choose a liner.
How to check your council's rules
- Visit your council's website and search for "food waste" or "food caddy".
- Look for a section on caddy liners or what can go in your food waste bin.
- If it isn't clear, contact your council's waste or recycling team.
Choosing a compostable liner
If your council accepts compostable liners, look for genuine third-party certification, not just the word "biodegradable". Our 10L compostable liners are made for food waste caddies and are certified compostable to EN 13432 by TÜV Austria and DIN Certco, as well as Australian AS 5810 (home) and AS 4736 (industrial).
Shop 10L compostable caddy liners →
What if your council doesn't accept them?
You can still use our compostable liners at home. They're certified for home composting, so they can go in your own compost heap along with your food scraps. For more on this, read our guide: Can you put compostable bags in a home compost heap?
The bottom line
Compostable liners are a great plastic-free choice, but the rules for food waste collections depend on where you live. A quick check on your council's website tells you exactly what to use.