For those new households involved in the scheme, information packs, food waste kerbside caddies and kitchen caddies have already been delivered and your food waste will be collected weekly on your usual collection day from the week commencing Monday 7th June 2010.
Why are we making these changes?
We are making changes to the way your food waste is collected so that you can recycle more and we can process it in a more environmentally acceptable way.We have a commitment to protect the environment by reducing the amount of waste that we send to landfill. We would also like to avoid increases in Council Tax resulting from large government fines for not diverting more of our waste from landfill, and to increase our recycling rate.
What happens to your food waste?
Your food waste will be taken to a special processing plant where it is recycled into compost which is used on farms and electricity can also be generated from this process.By recycling your food waste you will reduce the amount of food in landfill sites. Rotting food in landfill produces methane gas which contributes to climate change and, as the cost of sending food waste to landfill is increasing, you will help the Council and its residents save money too.
What will I receive when the new scheme starts?
When the scheme begins, you should receive the following:- Food bin
- Food caddy
- Complimentary corn starch liners
How do I use my food caddy?
- Line your caddy with a corn starch liner and fill it with food waste. Liners are optional - you can use a sheet of newspaper. Do not use plastic bags.
- When it is full, tie the liner and put it in your food bin.
- To help stop pests, lock the outside bin by moving the handle forward.
What can I put in my caddy?
You can put any raw or cooked food in your caddy. You can even scrape uneaten food straight into your caddy.Yes please:
- Meat and fish - raw and cooked including bones.
- Fruit and vegetables - raw and cooked.
- All dairy products such as eggs and cheese.
- Bread, cakes and pastries.
- Rice, pasta and beans.
- Uneaten food from your plates and dishes.
- Tea bags and coffee grounds.
Please do not put any of these materials in your caddy.
- Packaging of any sort.
- Plastic bags.
- Liquids.
Collections
We will collect your food waste every week on the same day as your normal waste and recycling collections.Please put your food bin, with the handle in the locked position, at the edge of your property – with your other waste or recycling.
Tips for recycling food waste
- Make sure your food waste bin is out for collection by 7am on your collection day and can be seen clearly.
- Tie your corn starch liner to keep your food waste bin clean. Keep your caddy clean by rinsing or wiping with kitchen towel.
- If you need more corn starch liners you can purchase these at your local supermarket.
- For practical advice on how to reduce food waste, and save up to £50 per month on your food bill, visit the Love Food Hate Waste website.
Common Enquiries
Q) Why are we doing this?A) Approximately 30% of the waste in an average household bin is food waste. When it decomposes in a landfill site it produces methane gas which contributes to climate change.
Q) Will the food in my bin smell?
A) Not if you empty your food caddy regularly into the outside bin and tie up the corn starch liners. Your food waste bin will have a sealable and lockable lid which will stop smells and vermin getting in.
Q) I don’t have time to do this – why should I?
A) It is important to reduce the amount of food waste going to landfill as it generates methane, a powerful green house gas.
Q) Can I use plastic bags to line my caddy?
A) No, the corn starch liners decompose, plastic bags don’t. If you run out of corn starch liners, you can buy more liners from your local supermarket or use a sheet of newspaper to line your caddy.
Home Composting
If you already compost at home please keep composting your uncooked vegetable and fruit peelings in your compost bin or heap.Using compost on your garden will improve the quality and structure of your soil and will help you to grow healthy plants and tasty fruit and vegetables. Composting at home is quick and easy; whether you have a small courtyard or a large garden there is a compost bin to suit your needs.
For more information on how to start home composting and to buy a discounted compost bin, please visit our Composting page.
