A missing or damaged food-waste caddy can make a small daily job unexpectedly awkward. Councils often provide replacements, but the ordering method and any charge vary locally. Until the new caddy arrives, store food waste securely and follow your council’s advice rather than improvising with an unsuitable container.
Quick answer: Order an approved replacement from the council and keep food waste securely contained until it arrives. Collection crews may reject improvised containers.
Why this needs the correct route
Kitchen caddies and outdoor food bins serve different purposes. The collection container needs the correct locking lid and lifting design to prevent leaks, pests and unsafe manual handling.
Important details
Some councils replace damaged caddies free of charge, while others charge for loss or additional containers.
A missing outdoor bin and a cracked indoor caddy may use separate order forms and different sizes.
Approved liners vary: compostable bags, newspaper or no liner may be required depending on the treatment facility.
A serial number or property address can help when an outdoor food bin is returned to the wrong home.
What to do
- Identify which caddy or outdoor bin is affected.
- Photograph damage if the order form requests evidence.
- Use the council’s replacement-container service.
- Follow temporary storage advice for food scraps.
- Label the new outdoor container appropriately.
The indoor and outdoor caddies are different
An indoor caddy is a convenient kitchen container; the outdoor bin is built for collection, locking and vehicle handling. Reporting which one failed avoids receiving a small kitchen caddy when the crew needs a replacement outdoor container.
Cracks around the handle or hinge can worsen quickly in cold weather. Stop forcing a damaged lock and include clear photographs if the council assesses whether normal wear, crew damage or household misuse caused the failure.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not use a plant pot, carrier bag or ordinary box as a collection caddy without permission. Avoid putting liquid food into any container.
A more useful alternative
Reduce odour by draining food, closing temporary storage securely and freezing unavoidable meat or fish scraps until collection day where practical.
Continue with related advice in Bin Problems & Collections.
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Official guidance
See GOV.UK household-waste guidance. Local services can change, so confirm the current instruction for your address before acting.
Sources checked: July 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy any food caddy myself?
An indoor kitchen caddy may be flexible, but the outdoor collection container normally must match the council’s approved design.
Will the council collect food waste in a bag alone?
Usually not unless its service specifically uses bags. Check the temporary instruction while awaiting a replacement.