Close to 40 tonnes of waste collected during first week of food waste collections in Eastbourne

Nearly 40 tonnes of food waste were collected during the first week of Eastbourne Borough Council’s new dedicated service, which launched the week commencing 27 April 2026

Key Collection Details

• Total Weight: Approximately 40 tonnes was reached within just the first four days of the rollout.
• Environmental Impact: The waste is diverted from the Newhaven incinerator and sent to a dedicated composting facility to be turned into nutrient-rich soil conditioner for local farmers and gardeners.
• Fleet: Collections are carried out weekly by a new fleet of ultra-low emission electric vehicles (EVs).
• Operational Notes: Due to the high volume of participation, some residents experienced minor delays of up to one day, with crews returning the following morning to complete missed streets. 

Guidance for Residents

• Accepted Items: Uneaten food, plate scrapings, bread, dairy, fruit/vegetable peelings, tea bags, and coffee grounds.
• Liners: Residents must use compostable caddy liners; plastic bags are not permitted as they contaminate the waste stream.
• Future Rollout: The initial phase focused on houses; communal dwellings like flats and HMOs are scheduled to join the service later in Summer 2026.