Leftover dog and cat food can be placed in household food waste bins, according to Ashley, the viral TikTok star known as The No1 Binman.
With millions of UK households now using food waste caddies, confusion remains over whether pet food belongs alongside human leftovers. Ashley's guidance clarifies that the food itself is accepted, while the packaging is not.
What goes in the food waste bin
Ashley stated that with dog and cat food leftovers, "you can put them in the food waste bin". However, only the food itself is permitted to go in that bin. If your local authority offers a food waste collection service, pet food can be disposed of in the food bin.
The binman explained, "The packaging itself can't be recycled and wouldn't go with it in the food waste bin." He added that the packaging would not go in the recycling bin either, and that if it was a pouch, it would go in the general waste bin.
Ashley highlighted that councils may differ, so residents should "check". Still, "most councils would let you put your dog food or cat food in the food waste bin".
How to prepare pet food for disposal
When disposing of leftover dog and cat food, the binman advised to "make sure to put it in a bag" first, warning that otherwise "you'll get maggots for days". He instructed, "Wrap it up, put it in a compostable bag, paper bag or whatever your council allows, put it in the food waste bin, and make sure you put it [the bin] out every single week."
All types of food can be placed in the bin, but plastic, packaging and liquids, including liquid fat or oil, should be avoided. If there is no food waste collection service, pet food must go into the general waste bin instead.
Other food waste that can be recycled at home includes raw or cooked meat and fish, including bones; raw or cooked fruit and vegetables; leftovers from your plate; rice, pasta and beans; bread, cakes and pastries; dairy, including eggshells; and teabags and coffee grounds.
