Wolverhampton residents will receive letters this week and next detailing a new weekly food waste collection service. The free service begins the week of 26 October and will initially be available to all kerbside properties, with a further rollout to flats and communal properties later.
The letters will be hand-delivered and provide information about how to participate. Food waste caddies, bin liners and an information leaflet will be distributed over the coming weeks ahead of the service launch.
Why food waste recycling matters
Food waste collected will be taken to an anaerobic digestion facility, where it is converted into sustainable energy, fertiliser and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to figures from the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), millions of tonnes of food waste are thrown away each year, costing the average family around £1,000 annually.
Weekly collections help reduce household bin smells and create more space in domestic waste bins. The service accepts items including leftovers, food scraps, peelings, tea bags, eggshells, and meat and fish bones.
Government requirement
Under the UK Government's Simpler Recycling legislation, all councils are required to deliver food waste collections. Councillor Qaiser Azeem, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: "The food waste collections will help people deal with their leftover scraps and plate scrapings as well as support our efforts to increase and improve recycling in the city."
The service adds to existing recycling programmes including the council's bin contamination campaign Check before you chuck, the Recycle Rovers schools education programme, and a free small electricals and batteries collection service.
Further information and frequently asked questions are available at Food waste on the council website.
