This is part of the borough’s new food waste recycling service, scheduled for launch in the autumn.
Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) has started distributing the food waste caddies to homes across the area.
The distribution process, undertaken with the assistance of a specialist distribution company, is expected to span up to seven weeks.
Households across Test Valley will soon receive their food waste caddy packs as part of the borough’s new food waste recycling service (Image: TVBC)
The distribution announcement is part of the council’s initiative to reduce food waste and increase recycling rates across the borough.
Each standard household is slated to receive a five-litre kitchen caddy, a 23-litre kerbside caddy, a roll of caddy liners, and an information leaflet about the new food waste collection service.
Households that share bins will receive a 140-litre grey-lidded food waste wheeled bin for the bin store.
Residents are reminded to store their caddy liners in a dry place and to keep the information leaflet for future reference.
The food waste collection service will officially start on Monday, October 13, 2025.
Hence, the caddies should not be used before the week commencing October 6.
Residents are also expected to receive postcards soon, indicating the day of their food waste collection.
Food waste will be collected weekly and taken to an anaerobic digestion facility.
Here, it will be converted into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser.
The Environment Act mandates that all councils have food waste collections in place by April 1, 2026.
In celebration of the rollout, TVBC has hidden 20 golden tickets inside randomly selected caddy packs.
The fortunate winners can choose from a selection of prizes, including a £50 gift voucher for The Lights, and a three-month premium membership for Andover Leisure Centre, Romsey Rapids, and Knightwood Leisure Centre.
Cllr David Drew, portfolio holder for recycling and environmental services, said: “The council is committed to the delivery of waste service changes as required by the Environment Act.
“We know this new food waste collection service is eagerly anticipated by many residents across the borough.
“It marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to improve recycling and reduce waste.
“By introducing the service ahead of the government’s deadline, we’re demonstrating our dedication to providing residents with the tools they need to recycle more effectively.”
For more information about the food waste collection service, including FAQs and guidance on what can and cannot be placed in the caddies, residents are advised to visit the council’s website.