1. Recycle your food regularly
Empty your kitchen caddy into your external food caddy as soon as food nears the lid and you'll never need to deal with mould or the other kinds of gunk that form when food breaks down.
2. Squeeze your tea bags
Leave tea bags, coffee grinds and anything else hot to cool off before putting them in the food waste caddy. If it gets hot and steamy, it'll create extra water and encourage fruit flies.
3. Line your food waste caddy
Lining your caddy will really help reduce smells and avoid spillages when transferring to your external bin. Due to changes in the way that Norwich food waste is recycled, plastic bags can now be used as caddy liners. We are encouraging residents to reuse existing plastic bags, such as shopping bags that are coming to the end of their life. Food bags such as bread, salad or cereal bags can also be used. Residents can also continue to use compostable liners.
We're pleased to say we are continuing to provide free liners to households. Tie a liner to your external caddy on collection day and the crew will drop off some more.
4. Keep a lid on it
Closing the lid of your food waste bin (both internal and external) tightly will stop fruit flies and other winged insects from getting in and odours from getting out.
5. Get creative with your food waste caddy
We provide a small caddy for your kitchen for free, but you can also use your own. Get creative – why not purchase a container which will complement the look of your kitchen!
6. Keep it cool
Store your food waste caddy out of direct sunlight, as the heat can speed up smells.
7. And keep it clean
Wash out your food waste caddy once a week, or put it in the dish washer. Lemon juice is a natural odour remover and will help to kill any germs that might be lurking.
8. Get the whole family involved
If you live with others, make sure they know what can go in the food waste bin and what can't, that way you won't be digging non-food out of the caddy!
9. Try composting
If you have a garden, however small, composting is a great way to use up some of your leftovers. Check out Recycle For Norfolk for advice and occasional offers on compost bins.
10. Eat more of your food
Write a weekly menu plan, and make a shopping list, so you only buy what you need. Try out new recipes to stop food going to waste. Love food, hate waste has some great tips on reducing food waste and some delicious recipe ideas.
