Residents will get new food caddy containers next month in preparation for a major overhaul to food recycling which begins this spring.
Those living in South Kesteven will begin to recycle food waste from Monday, April 13, as part of a new council initiative.
The scheme comes in response to national requirements aimed at improving recycling, cutting the waste which ends up at the Lincolnshire Energy from Waste disposal facility, and reducing landfill waste.
Food waste being collected as part of the new recycling service. Photo: SKDC
Every household will receive two caddies in February: a small five-litre indoor caddy for daily use and a larger 23-litre outdoor caddy for the weekly collection.
An initial roll of caddy liners will also be supplied, making it easier for residents to get started.
SKDC’s food waste collection vehicles in operation. Photo: SKDC
Plate scrapings, peelings, tea bags, coffee grounds, cooked food, meat, fish, dairy, fruit and vegetables can all be placed in the indoor caddy and transferred to the outdoor container for collection.
SKDC stresses that food should be removed from packaging and liquids like milk should not be included.
Collected food waste will be sent to a specialist anaerobic digestion facility in Lincolnshire, where it will be converted into nutrient-rich fertiliser for local agriculture and biogas to generate renewable electricity for homes and businesses.
New food waste caddy pictured next to a standard black household bin. Photo: SKDC
The scheme not only supports environmental sustainability but also encourages households to better understand and reduce the food they discard, potentially saving money and lowering council waste management costs.
Cabinet member for environment and waste, Rhys Baker (Ind), said: “Many residents are already enthusiastic recyclers and I am sure they will embrace this new system to see where it can take us.
“This is a simple change with a powerful impact. Together, we can reduce waste, generate clean energy, and make Lincolnshire greener for generations to come.”
Collections will be the same day as existing bins, so residents will not need to adjust their schedules again.
Food waste being treated at a specialist processing plant. Photo: SKDC
Households that compost at home are still encouraged to use the scheme, particularly for items such as meat, fish, dairy and cooked foods that could attract vermin if left in compost heaps.
For more information, residents can visit www.southkesteven.gov.uk/foodwaste or find tips and recipes to reduce food waste at https://lovefoodhatewaste.com
Full instructions and the collection schedule will be provided in advance.