It is estimated that 6,962 tonnes of peelings, plate scrapings, eggshells, meat bones and other kitchen leftovers have been turned into green energy and compost in a year.

 

Growing numbers of households are using their caddies to recycle their food scraps through the new recycling service introduced last October by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hart District Council. The two councils have a joint waste and recycling collection service.

 

In Basingstoke and Deane, around 4,262 tonnes of food waste, weighing roughly the same as 355 double-decker buses, has been taken away from the rubbish bin and turned into green energy and fertiliser. And in Hart, it’s estimated that households have recycled 2,700 tonnes, that's the equivalent weight of around 225 double-decker buses. 

 

Targets set by the government mean recycling rates across both areas must reach 65% by 2035, and the amount of rubbish thrown away each year must be cut to 287kg per person by 2042. 

The introduction of the weekly food waste collection means around 29% of the waste residents used to put into their rubbish bins before the service started, can now be recycled instead.

 

Households who haven’t started food waste recycling yet can begin any time by putting their food waste caddies out on their collection day every week.

 

All food waste must be contained in a liner or plastic bag, like an old bread bag, to help keep food waste caddies cleaner and to protect bin crews from mould spores and mess. These plastic bags are removed and sent for incineration before the food waste is recycled.

 

And it’s now really easy to spot the new food waste trucks as they travel around thanks to a bright new makeover courtesy of recycling themed artwork designed by 11 primary-school-aged children from both areas.

 

The trucks have also been named, with Peels on Wheels, Core Patrol, The Very Hungry Caddyfiller and Scrappy Doo among the successful suggestions put forward by residents.

 

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “Already we know that over half of the borough’s residents are using their food waste service and we’re delighted by this response. Now is a great time for residents to make the most of this weekly service provided, diverting food waste, that will smell and rot, away from the rubbish bin and putting it into their food waste caddy to be collected every week.  

 

"We’ve introduced more opportunities for residents to recycle so that we can reduce what gets thrown away and make better use of materials through recycling.  The fantastic designs on our food waste trucks really support this message and I’d like to say a huge thank you and congratulations to the young people who created them.”

 

Councillor Alan Oliver, portfolio holder for waste services at Hart District Council, said: “Our first year of food waste recycling has been a real success. Recycling 2,700 tonnes of food waste in just one year is a remarkable achievement that shows how small actions at home can have a big impact. Every caddy put out for collection is helping to reduce waste, boost recycling and move us closer to our recycling targets. I’d urge anyone who hasn’t tried food waste recycling yet to give it a go."

 

People can find out more about how to start using the weekly food waste recycling service and get a caddy if needed by visiting both councils' websites or scanning the QR code on the top of their silver indoor caddy.

 

Residents living in Basingstoke and Deane should visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/recycling or call 01256 844844 and residents in Hart should visit www.hart.gov.uk/food-waste-collections or call 01252 622122.