More chances to recycle your food waste!

Until recently, those living in large blocks of flats have not been able to put their food waste out for collection in the same way as those in houses. 

 

 

However, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, working with its Waste Contractor, Cory Environmental, trialled a food waste collection service for residents in Blackdown, Grampion and Brecon flats. This was so successful it is being extended to other flat blocks over the next two years starting with Barrington Flats in

Southchurch Road

, and Quantock Flats in

Chichester Road

.

 

 

Emma Cheesman, Recycling & Administration Manager of Cory Environmental says: "We were delighted by the results of this trial, collecting over four tonnes in six months. In a survey of residents during the trial, over 90 per cent said they participated in the scheme every week and over 85 per cent were satisfied with it - which is hugely encouraging."

 

 

Since the blue bin food waste scheme started in September 2008, Southend residents have recycled an impressive 6,923 tonnes of food waste.   This has contributed over four per cent towards Southend's current recycling rate of 42 per cent. But food waste still makes up more than 30 per cent of the average household black refuse sack collected in Southend.

This is why Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and Cory Environmental are especially keen to boost food waste recycling in order to meet the borough's 2015 recycling target of 60 per cent, and divert biodegradable waste from landfill.

 

 

In a recent survey in Southend High Street, 55 per cent of respondents said they used the food waste service every week. 

 

 

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Waste,

 

Councillor Tony Cox says: "I would like to thank all residents who are currently recycling food waste and assure them that their efforts are greatly appreciated and will help us to reach our recycling target of 60% by 2015.  We would encourage all residents who aren't recycling food waste to give it a go, it's easy and before long it becomes part of your daily routine." 

 

 

Throughout November and December, Cory Environmental and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council will be holding stalls to encourage more residents to recycle their food waste, save money and help the environment.  Visit the team at:

 

• Southend Library - Saturday 20th November 9am to 12pm

   

 

Cory Environmental and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council have produced a step-by-step guide to recycling food waste in Southend.  Find this at www.southend.gov.uk/foodwaste. Click on 'Related documents' under 'Related Downloads in the top right-hand corner of the page.