Council thanks new food waste recyclers and urges more to join in

The council is taking the opportunity to encourage all residents to play their part in increasing food waste recycling across Buckinghamshire, helping cut carbon emissions, generate green energy and keep general waste bins cleaner and fresher.

Councillor Ade Osibogun, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change & Waste, said: “I want to thank residents living in flats who have got stuck straight into recycling their food waste. Within weeks of rolling out collections in the south of the county, our partner Veolia is already collecting ten tonnes of food waste from flats every week – enough energy to boil the kettle for more than 100,000 cups of tea!

“Food waste recycling had unfortunately been declining in recent years across Buckinghamshire. Around a third of waste placed in the wrong bin is food waste that could instead be recycled into green energy.

“For residents who may be unsure or new to food waste recycling, I would encourage them to give it a try. It doesn’t need to be perfect. All food waste except liquids can be recycled, and even small changes made week by week can have a real positive impact. Your recycled waste generates green energy and fertiliser, and reduces the council’s disposal costs, freeing up vital funds.”

Food waste recycling collections were introduced to over 25,000 flats with communal waste collections across Buckinghamshire between October and March, making it easier for thousands more residents to recycle weekly and ensuring Buckinghamshire complies with nationwide Simpler Recycling legislation.

All solid food waste can be recycled through council food waste collections, including meat bones, tea bags, coffee grounds, leftovers, mouldy bread, and fruit and vegetable peelings. Recycling food waste benefits both the environment and residents. Food waste left in general waste bins can sit for up to two weeks, while food waste caddies are emptied weekly, helping reduce smells at home.

Residents do not need a special kitchen caddy to take part. Any container can be used and lined with plastic bags or newspaper, with all bags removed during the recycling process.

Read more about food waste recycling and what can be recycled at Buckinghamshire Recycles.

Andrew Reidy, Divisional Head of Municipal Operations at Veolia, said: “Delivering food waste collections to thousands of new households across the south of Buckinghamshire is a significant milestone and one that will make a real difference in reducing the amount of organic waste being disposed of in general waste bins. By recycling food waste, residents are directly contributing to the creation of fertiliser and energy for the National Grid, while also helping to cut carbon emissions. We are proud to support Buckinghamshire Council in this important step forward and look forward to seeing even more residents get involved in food waste recycling.”