New weekly food waste collection service launching in Stevenage

The new weekly food waste collection service is launching in Stevenage next week (Monday 2 March).

The service follows a government requirement for councils to introduce separate food waste collections as part of national waste reforms being rolled out across England.

The new service is being introduced with the support of government grant funding, which is helping to cover the initial set-up costs, including the new caddies and collection vehicles.

Food waste collections will help reduce the amount of waste sent for incineration, reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure that food waste is being put to better use – including being turned into fertiliser and energy.

Food waste is responsible for approximately 8-10% of global manmade greenhouse gas emissions, making recycling food a simple yet effective way to protect the environment.

Councillor Rob Broom, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said:

“This new service will make it easier for Stevenage residents to recycle their food waste, which will cut down on what goes in refuse bins and have a direct impact on our carbon footprint as a town.

“Everyone has unavoidable food waste – such as tea bags, coffee grounds or banana skins – and this service will help to turn these into energy and fertiliser, making Stevenage even greener.”