Food Waste: A Greener Future for Pulborough Through Food Waste Recycling
Food waste collections are one of the most significant changes to household recycling in West Sussex in decades. Driven by new national “Simpler Recycling” legislation, the scheme ensures all households can recycle the same materials — including food waste — and supports the county’s environmental commitments.
Pulborough residents have received a kitchen caddy and outdoor food waste bin, with weekly collections managed by Horsham District Council. This service is designed to reduce the amount of food ending up in general waste — estimated at up to 40% of an average household’s bin — and to help families see exactly how much food they throw away.
Where Does Pulborough’s Food Waste Go?
All collected food waste is transported to transfer stations across West Sussex, compacted, and then sent to the anaerobic digestion plant in Horsham.
At the plant, the waste is recycled into:
- Biofertiliser used on local farmland
- Renewable energy that powers the plant
- Excess electricity exported to the national grid to power homes and businesses
This “closed‑loop” system turns everyday scraps into valuable resources, supporting both local agriculture and national energy production.
What You Can Recycle in Your Food Waste Caddy
West Sussex accepts a wide range of food waste, including:
- Meat and bones
- Fish and shellfish
- Dairy products
- Cooked and uncooked vegetables
- Fruit, peelings, nuts, pits and stones
- Bread, cakes, pastries
- Rice, pasta, beans
- Tea bags, coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Solid fats
- Pet food
- Mouldy or out‑of‑date food
What You Cannot Put in the Food Waste Bin
- Packaging of any kind
- Oils and liquids
- Plastic bags
- Non‑food items
- Animal waste or bedding
- Flowers
If these items are included, the council will not collect the bin.
How This Benefits Pulborough Residents
- Financial Savings at Home
The average UK household of four is estimated to waste around £1,000 of food every year — money that could be saved simply by reducing food waste. The new collections help residents see what they throw away, encouraging better meal planning and use of leftovers.
- Lower Long‑Term Waste Disposal Costs
Food waste is heavy and expensive to dispose of when mixed with general waste. By diverting it to anaerobic digestion, councils reduce landfill and incineration costs — savings that support future service improvements and go towards keeping council tax pressures down.
- Environmental Gains for Pulborough
Pulborough’s proximity to the Arun, Brooks and surrounding farmland means reducing food waste pollution directly benefits local wildlife and waterways. Biofertiliser produced in Horsham supports sustainable farming across West Sussex.
- Cleaner, Less Smelly General Waste Bins
Weekly food waste collections mean less decomposing food in two‑weekly general waste bins — improving hygiene and reducing pests.
How Long Has the Scheme Been Running?
Food waste collections began rolling out across West Sussex in 2025–2026, with Mid Sussex starting first, followed by Arun, Chichester and Horsham in early 2026. Adur & Worthing and Crawley will join later in the year.
Future Plans for the Scheme
West Sussex County Council and the West Sussex Waste Partnership have outlined several next‑step priorities:
- Full countywide rollout by late 2026, including flats and communal properties
- Behaviour‑change campaigns such as Food Waste Action Week to help residents reduce waste further
- Expansion of waste‑prevention community grants, which have already diverted over 60 tonnes of waste in six months through repair cafés, composting schemes and refill initiatives
- Improved recycling communications across all seven district and borough councils
- Long‑term compliance with national recycling targets and continued investment in circular‑economy projects
For more information click here
Explainer: Food Waste Collections in West Sussex
Why Are Food Waste Collections carried out?
To comply with national “Simpler Recycling” legislation and reduce the environmental impact of food waste.
How Does the System Work?
Residents receive a kitchen caddy and outdoor bin. Food waste is collected weekly and taken to Horsham for anaerobic digestion.
What Happens to the Waste?
It becomes renewable energy and fertiliser — powering homes and feeding crops.
What Are the Benefits?
- Household savings
- Cleaner bins
- Lower council disposal costs
- Reduced environmental impact
- Contribution to national recycling targets
What’s Next?
Full rollout by late 2026, expanded community waste‑prevention projects, and ongoing improvements to recycling services.
What else can I recycle?
Food isn’t the only thing you can recycle.
Click here for an A-Z of Recycling in West Sussex
