Weekly Food Waste Collections Coming to Formby This Winter

Households across Formby will soon be asked to separate their food waste as Sefton Council prepares to introduce a new weekly collection service.

Residents across Formby will begin receiving a new food waste collection service from winter 2026/27, as part of a borough-wide scheme designed to reduce waste, cut carbon emissions and generate renewable energy.

Hello Formby! has been informed that the new food waste containers are expected to look like the item pictured above. While Sefton Council has not yet confirmed the final design, households are expected to receive a large outdoor food caddy, with residents being instructed to use biodegradable bags as a convenient way of collecting food indoors, before transferring the waste to the caddy.

The council says the new collections will make it easier for residents to recycle food scraps instead of placing them in their general waste bin. Once collected, the food waste will be taken to an anaerobic digestion facility where it will be converted into biogas to generate renewable energy. The process also produces a nutrient-rich fertiliser for use in farming.

According to Sefton Council, more than a quarter of the average household waste bin is made up of food waste. By collecting it separately, less waste will need to be disposed of through incineration, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What can go into the food waste caddy?

Residents will be able to place most food waste into the new caddy, including:

Plate scrapings and leftovers
Meat, fish and bones
Dairy products
Bread
Fruit and vegetables
Tea bags and coffee grounds

All packaging should be removed before food is placed into the caddy.

How often will collections take place?

Food waste collections will take place every week, with Sefton Council saying the weekly schedule should help to minimise smells and discourage pests. Residents will be provided with kitchen caddies, outdoor containers, liners and instructions at no additional cost as part of their normal waste collection service.

Although the scheme is due to begin in winter 2026/27, an exact launch date has not yet been announced. The council says further information, including collection dates and details of when the new containers will be delivered, will be released closer to the rollout.

Residents in Formby should keep an eye out for further announcements over the coming months as the new service prepares to launch.

https://www.sefton.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/bins-and-recycling/food-waste-collections/