As the festive season rolls in, food waste goes through the roof. Households across the UK will soon be stuffing turkeys, trimming sprouts and, inevitably, scraping plates. It’s during this time, from Halloween to New Year, that food bins see their heaviest use.
For local authorities and waste service providers, the challenge is clear: how do you capture more food waste cleanly, efficiently and compliantly, especially as separate collections become mandatory by March 2026?
The answer is simpler than you might think. Food waste caddy liners, whether compostable or polythene, remain one of the most effective tools for supporting cleaner, higher-participation food waste recycling.
Why Caddy Liners are effective
During colder months, food waste becomes wetter, heavier, and messier. Without proper containment, caddies turn grim fast. That’s where liners play a crucial role:
- Improved hygiene: Liners keep caddies clean, reduce odours and prevent residue build-up, essential when it’s too cold to wash out bins regularly.
- Easier handling: Whether residents or FM staff are using them, liners make transferring food waste to external bins quicker and more pleasant.
- Higher participation: Residents are far more likely to use the food bin when it’s not a sticky, smelly job.
- Reduced contamination: Liners provide a visible, simple separation system, making it easier to comply with guidance and keep non-food items out of the mix.
Compostable or Polythene? Both Play a Role
- Compostable liners are ideal for collections going to industrial composting. Certified to EN13432, they break down cleanly with the food waste.
- Polythene liners, used in systems where bags are removed mechanically during anaerobic digestion, offer durability and cost-efficiency while still helping to contain and transport food waste effectively.
Both types significantly improve the cleanliness and usability of food recycling systems, a critical factor in user satisfaction and long-term participation.
Helping Residents and FM Teams Do the Right Thing
Whether you’re distributing liners to residents via a council scheme or supplying FM contractors, the principle is the same: give people the right tools, and they’ll use the system properly.
- Clear usage instructions reduce errors and build confidence, especially for first-time users.
- Regular replacements every few days prevent splits, leaks and smells.
Cromwell Polythene Supports Effective Capture at Scale
Cromwell have worked with a large number of local authorities, waste management firms and distributors to deliver liner solutions that are fit for purpose, not just on paper, but in the real world of winter collections and festive food overload.
We supply both compostable liners and polythene liners, and a proven track record supporting simple and excellent food waste schemes.
If you’re involved in planning or supplying food waste capture systems, now’s the time to act. Caddy liners are not just a nice-to-have, they’re a proven way to improve participation, protect infrastructure and meet recycling goals.