Council sets out plan for food waste collections

Charnwood Borough Council has said it will introduce food waste collections for the majority of households later this year.

The authority expects the service to begin for most homes from 2 November.

Collections for households with communal bin store areas, including blocks of flats and shared accommodation, are scheduled to start in 2027, the council added.

The service is being introduced as part of the government's Simpler Recycling reforms, which require all councils in England to collect food waste separately.

The council said each household would receive two caddies - one for in the home and another to place outside for emptying - and a roll of liners.

For those with collections starting in November, delivery of the caddy packs will start at the end of September and take a few weeks.

Households with communal bin stores will receive caddy packs closer to the start of their collection service.

The collected food waste will be taken to an anaerobic digestion facility where it will be used to generate biogas, the authority said.

Bin collection days will not be changing as part of the plans, the council added.

Beverley Gray, lead member for climate action and net zero at the authority, said: "Recycling food waste is a small action that can make a real difference to the environment and future generations.

"Every bit of food waste recycled helps to create cleaner and cheaper energy while reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

"The process also produces a nutrient-rich bio-fertiliser that can be used on local farmland. I'd encourage residents to give it a try."

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