Time to start using food caddies

The first food waste collection for homes in Lincoln, North Kesteven and West Lindsey are less than two weeks away so residents are being urged to start using their food waste caddies.

Collections start week commencing March 30 so people should be filling their kitchen caddies before their first scheduled collection with any unwanted or inedible food waste before transferring the contents into their outdoor caddy ready for collection day.

The new weekly service makes it easier than ever to recycle food waste separately from general waste. By taking part, residents will help reduce the amount of waste sent to Lincolnshire’s Energy from Waste facility and ensure food waste is put to good use instead.

All collected food waste will be taken to an anaerobic digestion plant in Lincolnshire, where it will be turned into renewable energy to power homes and fertiliser to support local agriculture.

A wide range of food items can go into the food waste caddy, including:

• leftovers and plate scrapings
• bread, cakes and pastries
• rice, pasta and beans
• raw or cooked meat and fish, including bones
• raw or cooked fruit, veg and peelings
• dairy products such as cheese, butter, yoghurt and eggs
• egg shells
• tea bags and coffee grounds.

Residents can use the liners provided to help keep their caddies clean or reuse other household bags as liners. There is no need to buy compostable or biodegradable bags. Liners are removed during the processing at the anaerobic digestion plant before the food waste is turned into energy and fertiliser.

Cllr Rebecca Longbottom, Portfolio Holder for Remarkable Place at City of Lincoln Council, said: “We’re really proud to be introducing weekly food waste collections in Lincoln. This is a positive step forward for the city and an easy way for residents to make a real difference.

“Instead of food waste being thrown away with general rubbish, it will now be turned into clean, renewable energy and fertiliser right here in Lincolnshire. Even small items like tea bags, eggshells and vegetable peelings can have a big impact when we all take part.”

Residents are reminded to check their collection day and ensure their outdoor food waste caddy is presented for collection on their usual waste and recycling days.