The first week of new food waste collections across the City of Lincoln, North Kesteven and West Lindsey has been a success, with thousands of households taking part in the new recycling service.
Residents across the three areas have begun using their food waste caddies, helping to ensure that unwanted food is collected separately and put to good use. In the first week alone, more than 165 tonnes of food waste was collected.
All of the food waste collected is taken to an anaerobic digestion facility, where it will be turned into energy and fertiliser, supporting local agriculture and generating renewable power.
The introduction of weekly food waste collections marks a significant step forward in making it easier for residents to recycle more from home and reduce the amount of waste in their general rubbish.
While the first week has been positive, residents are reminded that as with any new service, there may be some initial teething issues as crews and collection routes settle in. Work will continue behind the scenes to review and refine the service over the coming weeks.
To help collections run as smoothly as possible, residents are encouraged to:
- Remove all packaging from food waste, including items from tins
- Place food waste into their kitchen caddy before transferring it to their outdoor caddy
- Use liners if they wish to keep their caddies clean
- Present only their outdoor food waste caddy for collection
Residents in South Kesteven are reminded that their food waste collections are due to begin from week commencing 13 April. Households are encouraged to start using their food waste caddies now, ready for their first collection. Getting into the habit early will help ensure a smooth start to the service in the area.
Cllr Danny Brookes, Chair of Lincolnshire Waste Partnership and Executive Member for Environment at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We’ve been really encouraged by the positive start to food waste collections across Lincoln, North Kesteven and West Lindsey. It’s great to see so many residents already making use of their caddies and getting behind the new service.
“We know introducing something new like this can take a little time to get used to, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as things settle in. The early results show what can be achieved when residents and crews work together, and we’re looking forward to seeing even more households take part in the weeks ahead.
“With South Kesteven set to begin collections shortly, now is the perfect time for residents to start using their caddies and get into the routine. Every caddy presented helps ensure food waste is put to good use, creating energy and fertiliser that benefits both our communities and future generations.”
The strong start to collections highlights the positive steps being taken by residents across Lincolnshire to recycle more and make better use of food waste.
By continuing to take part in the service each week, residents will help ensure food waste is transformed into valuable resources, benefiting both the local area and future generations.
Residents in Boston Borough, East Lindsey and South Holland are due to begin later in the year.