BCP homes recycled more than 3,500 tonnes of food waste in six months, 1,420 more than a year earlier, after collections spread to Poole. Updated November 2026.

Homes across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole recycled more than 3,500 tonnes of food waste in six months. That is 1,420 tonnes more than in the same period last year, BCP Council says.

The council puts it at about the weight of 300 double-decker buses. It also says the plant it goes to made enough energy in those six months to power the equivalent of 3,900 homes for a year.

The waste also becomes a soil improver for farm fields.

Why the number jumped

The obvious reason is that far more homes can now take part. In April 2026 weekly food waste collections were extended to all Poole households and to flats in Bournemouth.

So the rise does not show that each home is recycling more. On the council’s figures, last year’s total works out at about 2,080 tonnes, which makes this year’s roughly two thirds higher. The release gives no count of the extra homes, so a per-household figure is not possible.

The council also says general rubbish fell by a “large” amount across the area. It gives no number. The release marks that sentence with a footnote, but no footnote appears on the published page.

The problems it admits

The same release carries an apology. Cllr Andy Hadley, the portfolio holder for the environment, said: “We know there have been collection issues in some areas, and extra challenges caused by the very hot summer, and we’re sorry for the frustration caused.”

The council says it has made these changes:

  • an extra vehicle and more staff
  • adjusted routes
  • a change to where the lorries are emptied, so they get back to collections faster

What it means for you

You do not need to sign up. The council says you can simply put your food waste bin out where it can be seen on your usual collection day.

Bins are free, and you can order a new or replacement one from the council. If your road has been missed, it may already be on the missed bin list, in which case the council says to leave the bin out.

Our bin collection page sets out what goes in each bin and when.