Published on:
06
June 2013
Clackmannanshire residents have helped divert almost 300 tonnes of food waste from landfill in the first 11 weeks since the new caddies were introduced. The success is heading for a massive 1,800 tonnes of local food waste being turned into environmentally friendly products.
Enterprise and Environment Convener, Councillor Donald Balsillie said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who are participating. Within the first 11 weeks, we have diverted approximately 283 tonnes of food waste from landfill. This is now collecting an average of around 32 tonnes per week and rising weekly."
The fantastic success of the food caddies is down to three out of every four households taking part. However, the amount diverted away from landfill could be even more if every household recycled their food waste.
Councillor Balsillie added: "We need every scrap diverted from landfill. By putting your food waste into these caddies rather than the green bin you are supporting the local economy and the creation of local jobs through Alloa Community Enterprises who collect the waste on our behalf.
"The food waste forms a useful product. All the food waste is currently going to a processing plant in Cumbernauld. The waste food is treated in a digestion process to produce gas which in turn produces electricity and there is a fertiliser product used in the agricultural industry."
Every food scrap diverted saves the Council money by not paying landfill tax. The tax is currently £72 per tonne for waste that is sent to landfill. This saved money can be better spent on other vital Council services such as education and social services.
If you have not taken part yet, then why not give it a go.
The Council had to introduce food waste collections in response to changes to environmental laws that require separated waste recycling collections and future bans on organic waste going to landfill.
The benefits to Clackmannanshire residents are that it is clean and convenient because the Council supply the liners for the kitchen caddy. Once filled, the full liner is placed into your kerbside caddy ready for collection every week at the same time as your weekly blue box collection.
Councillor Balsillie went on: "Why not put your kerbside food caddy out with your blue box and recycle all your glass jars and bottles, textiles, small electrical goods and batteries at the same time."
If you need assistance in taking your kerbside caddy to the kerbside or you are not sure on what to put into your box, bins or caddies or if for some reason, you did not receive a kerbside and kitchen caddy then please give call 0500 545 540 or email us at wasteservices@clacks.gov.uk
The Council will supply the caddies, the liners and the information on how to get started. More information can be found by searching for 'food waste' at www.clacksweb.org.uk