Thousands of Colchester residents will soon receive free supplies and guidance to make food recycling easier at home, helping keep bins fresher and ensuring unwanted food is turned into renewable energy instead of ending up in general rubbish.
From September, 17,980 households across Colchester will be taking part in Power Up, a new campaign led by Essex County Council that's designed to help residents make the most of their weekly food recycling service. Households will receive a pack containing compostable food caddy liners, a leaflet with practical advice and a reminder sticker for your black bin, making it easier to build food recycling into everyday routines.
A simple change that can make a big difference
While many residents already recycle their food waste every week, food still makes up around 30% of the rubbish placed in general waste bins across Essex.
While many residents already recycle their food waste every week, food still makes up around 30% of the rubbish placed in general waste bins across Essex.
Separating food waste can make a noticeable difference at home. Food placed in general rubbish can sit in bins for up to two weeks before collection, which can lead to bad smells - particularly during warmer weather. By using a food caddy instead, residents will reduce messy bins and smells, free up space in their rubbish bin and make sure food waste is put to good use.
From food waste to green energy
Once collected, food waste from Colchester is sent to an anaerobic digestion facility where it is transformed into renewable energy and fertiliser used by farms.
Once collected, food waste from Colchester is sent to an anaerobic digestion facility where it is transformed into renewable energy and fertiliser used by farms.
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhood Services and Leisure, said: "Most of us throw food scraps away every day without thinking about it, whether that's a banana skin, tea bags or leftovers from dinner.
"Using your food caddy is a simple act, but it can have a big impact. It helps keep rubbish bins cleaner and fresher, and it means food waste can be turned into something useful instead of being thrown away.
"Nearly 18,000 Colchester households will receive support through this campaign, and I'd encourage residents to make the most of it. If you've never used your food caddy before, now is a great time to start. If you're already recycling your food waste, thank you for helping make a difference."
Supporting food recycling across Essex
The campaign is being delivered by Essex County Council and local councils across Essex and is expected to reach around 400,000 households county-wide by November.
The campaign is being delivered by Essex County Council and local councils across Essex and is expected to reach around 400,000 households county-wide by November.
Residents can find out more about food recycling, the Power Up campaign and what can be put into a food caddy, here.