Compostable Liners

Residents can use approved compostable liners in their food waste boxes.

Any liner that clearly displays the European Bioplastics logo, shown on the right, can be collected.

If you are using a compostable liner, please make sure that this logo is printed on the actual bag itself. If the logo is printed on the packaging for the liners but is not clearly displayed on the bags then please do not use them.

If you use a liner or bag that does not show this logo then your food waste will not be collected.

• Do I have to use compostable liners?
• Which compostable liners can I use?
• Can I use degradable or biodegradable bags?
• Where can I buy compostable liners?
• How do I use compostable liners?
• Can I put compostable packaging in my food waste box?
• Further information

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Do I have to use compostable liners?

Use of compostable liners is optional for residents, so if you would prefer not to purchase them then you can still recycle your food waste.

If you are not using a compostable liner then you should just put your food waste loose into the large green outdoor box for collection. You may find it helpful to place a layer of grass or leaves at the bottom of the box first, as this can help to prevent the food waste from sticking. You may also wish to rinse out the box with a jug of warm water after it has been emptied by our crews.

Please make sure that you do not use any other types of bags or liners, as your box will not be emptied if it contains inappropriate materials.

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Which compostable liners can I use?

Any brand of compostable liner that displays the European Bioplastics logo shown at the top of this page can be used.

Haringey Council knows of the following brands that are acceptable. However, if you find another brand that shows the logo on the bags but is not listed here then please contact us:

• BioBag
• Botanico Compostable Caddy Liners
• Marks & Spencer Compostable Kitchen Waste Bags
• Sainsbury's Home Compostable Liners
• Wenterra

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Can I use degradable or biodegradable bags?

Bags that are marked as 'degradable' or 'biodegradable' may not be acceptable for use in your food waste box, as they may not be able to break down sufficiently at the composting facility where the food and garden waste is sent.

If the bags are not marked with the European Bioplastics logo then please do not use them in your food waste box.

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Where can I buy compostable liners?

Compostable liners are available in many shops in and around Haringey. To make it easier for residents to find the right types of liner to use, we have compiled a list of shops on the buying compostable liners page. However, there may be other shops and websites where you can purchase liners that show the European Bioplastics logo.

If you do find a shop which sells approved compostable liners but is not on our list, or if you know of a website where residents could buy them from, please contact us to let us know the details so that we can add the information to the page.

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How do I use compostable liners?

If you are using a compostable liner, simply put it inside your black kitchen caddy before you start using it to dispose of your food waste. When the liner is full, tie it up and place it in your larger food waste box outside so that it is ready for collection.

Compostable liners break down much more quickly than normal plastic bags, which is why you are allowed to use them on the food waste recycling service. Because of this, you may start to notice that the liner begins to compost while it is still in your box. To slow this process down, try to keep the box away from radiators, ovens or other sources of heat in your kitchen.

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Can I put compostable packaging in my food waste box?

Some food is now packaged in materials that are marked as 'compostable', and may show the European Bioplastics logo.

However, Haringey Council has not received approval to collect these materials, so please do not put any such items into your food waste box.

Your food waste may not be collected if there is any packaging material in the box.

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Further information

If you have any questions about compostable liners that have not been answered on this website then please contact the Haringey Enterprise Call Centre for information:

Tel: 020 8885 7700
Email: haringey.enterprise@enterprise.plc.uk

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