Residents of Basingstoke and Deane, along with residents of Hart, have recycled more than 4,187 tonnes of peelings, plate scrapings, eggshells, meat bones and other kitchen leftovers into green energy and fertiliser since the launch of weekly food waste collections in October.
A total of 2,547 tonnes have been recycled by Basingstoke and Deane households, and 1,640 tonnes by Hart residents.
The scheme aims to meet national targets of 65 per cent recycling by 2035 and a reduction in waste to 287kg per person annually by 2042.
A food watter bin (Image: Stewart Turkington)
Cllr Laura James, cabinet member for residents’ services and housing at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: “Residents keep telling us they want to recycle more and it’s great to see more of them making changes at home to separate out items that can be recycled from those that currently can’t.
“Over seven months after we introduced this weekly food waste recycling service, we’re seeing just over half of the borough’s households using the service and now putting less into their waste bins.
“Over the coming years, we have to prepare for and adapt to big changes in the way the whole country manages its waste.
“Our recycling levels are low compared to other areas and we throw away much more than we should.
Food waste should go into one of these caddies (Image: Stewart Turkington)
“To meet challenging government targets, in Basingstoke and Deane we need to more than double our recycling rate from 30 per cent to 65 per cent and cut by half the amount thrown away to 287kg per person.
“Everyone recycling or composting their food waste is a great start.”
The council estimates that around 30 per cent of the waste residents used to put into their rubbish bins can now be diverted and recycled through the food waste service.
Residents who have not yet started using the scheme are encouraged to do so at any time by placing their caddies out on their usual collection day.
All food waste must be contained in a liner or plastic bag, like an old bread bag, to help keep food waste caddies cleaner and to protect bin crews from mould spores and mess.
These plastic bags are removed and sent for incineration before the food waste is recycled.
Residents can learn more about the weekly food waste recycling service and request a caddy by visiting the councils’ websites or scanning the QR code on their silver indoor caddy.
Those in Basingstoke and Deane can visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/food-waste or call 01256 844844.
Residents in Hart should visit www.hart.gov.uk/food-waste-collections or call 01252 622122.
Outside food waste bin (Image: Stewart Turkington)
Cllr David Neighbour, leader of Hart District Council, said: “We’ve been thrilled by the early participation rates in the food waste collections, with around 60 per cent of households in Hart taking advantage of the new service.
“Our recycling rates in Hart are currently over 50 per cent – a testament to the efforts of our residents in this important area.
“I’d urge any residents who haven’t tried food waste recycling yet to give it a go – check out our website for all the information and tips you need to get started.”
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