Food waste put in new bins weighs same as FIFTY cars

An EBC food waste collection vehicle (Credit; EBC)

Food scraps equivalent to the weight of more than FIFTY small cars have been saved from going to waste – in just the first fortnight of Erewash Borough Council’s new recycling scheme.

The colossal total of 54 tonnes was revealed as the authority praised residents for setting a superb example to the rest of the country.

The environmentally-friendly initiative which councils across the nation were instructed to launch means any biodegradable food waste – such as veg peelings, plate scrapings and teabags – can be put to good use as it is turned into biofuel and fertiliser.

The scheme has seen new caddies filled weekly across the borough so they can be left out on bin days. Cllr Mark Alfrey – Erewash’s Lead Member for Environment – said after the collections entered their third week: “We have got off to a great start dealing with food waste in this new way.

“The number of residents making use of their new food waste bins shows they clearly value having these weekly collections – and underlines how people are keen to do their bit for the environment.”

The mini bins that people leave outside were delivered with a separate caddy that can be kept in the kitchen. One local woman commented online: “It’s a great idea. I keep my small grey bin under my sink and keep it next to me while I prep food. Then it’s tucked neatly away.”

Another posted: “I love mine. It sits at the side of my sink and it’s surprising how much food waste I’d normally put in my normal bin that can now go in the food waste bin – veg peelings, loads of melon and banana skin, orange peel, eggshells, tea bags, coffee grounds, chicken bones etc.

“No hassle to bag it and put it out every week and it’s better than it hanging around for the black bin to be emptied every two weeks – so very happy.”

The kitchen caddies were delivered with special biodegradable liners that can be tied and transferred to the outside bin once full. One hiccup that emerged following the scheme’s launch was that some people mistakenly put the entire kitchen caddy in their new outside bin – instead of just the bags from it.

The council also apologised for some collections initially being missed as freshly-hired crews get used to their new rounds. Cllr Alfrey said: “It was inevitable there would be some teething problems with such a huge scheme as this. We are confident these will be ironed out and thank everyone for their patience.”

Some councils had to delay introducing the scheme as they awaited delivery of new food waste vehicles. Erewash invested in six well in advance.