More residents across Bath & North East Somerset will soon be able to recycle their food waste with the expansion of the council’s collection service to more flats across the area.
Photo courtesy of B&NES Council
Over the next fortnight, food waste caddies will be delivered to 745 flats, including addresses in Keynsham, Paulton, Midsomer Norton and Bath.
It means from October, residents of these flats will be able to recycle all their raw and cooked food waste, including fruit and vegetable peelings, plate scrapings and bones.
Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: “During lockdown residents really embraced food recycling as the amount of we collected was up 22% on the same period the previous year.
“This was a fantastic effort and we really want residents to keep up the momentum, so I’m pleased we are now able to expand our collection service.
“It’s a simple system: instead of throwing food waste out with the general rubbish, you put it in the small kitchen caddy and, when its full, empty it into the large shared food waste bin outside your building which will be collected weekly.
“Food waste that ends up in black wheelie bins costs the council over £100 per tonne to dispose of and, if it ends up in landfill, it can also cause greenhouse gases.
“However, if it’s recycled it’s processed to produce renewable energy and turned into nutrient-rich compost to use on agricultural land.
“So, by simply recycling your food waste you can help tackle the Climate Emergency, while saving the council money that can be used to fund essential services.”
Letters will be delivered to residents being offered the expanded service alongside their new food caddies.
The letters explain the food recycling system and provide advice on how to line the plastic kitchen caddy, from reusing household plastic bags, including potato and bread bags, to using compostable liners, newspaper or paper bags.
To find out more about the council’s recycling services, how to order a food waste caddy or join the collections visit: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/recycling.
