Save money by reducing food waste

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is asking everyone to consider reducing their food waste this Christmas to help save money and improve the environment.

Using the separate food waste bin will help reduce food waste across the borough. All uneaten food from plates can be collected from vegetable peelings, uneaten takeaways, bread, cakes, pasta to potatoes. Every year 5,000 tonnes of food waste is removed from households across the borough.

The food waste collected in Maidstone is delivered to the Anaerobic digestion plant on the A228. After being treated at a high temperature the gas produced is burnt to generate electricity, which is sold to the national grid. After treatment, the resulting compost is spread on local fields, as a soil improver.

Globally food waste is estimated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to contribute 8-10% of total man-made greenhouse gas emissions.

Cllr Patrik Garten, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services at MBC said:

“Using the separate food bin, means less waste in the black bin, which will then be lighter and smell better. We empty the food waste caddy bin each week too rather than two weekly.

“Food waste recycling is a massive benefit to the environment, its one of the best ways to reduce your personal carbon footprint. The average family throws away around £750 of food every year. When people use the separate food caddy they become more aware of how much food and money is being thrown away, so why not make the switch today.”

The Council replaces a lost or broken food caddy at no charge, just call: 01622 602600 or visit https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/primary-services/bins-and-recycling. The caddy’s do need special compositable lining bags which are available to buy in a wide variety of shops.

For lots of tips on food waste reduction please visit https://wrap.org.uk/taking-action/citizen-behaviour-change/love-food-hate-waste

For any questions about household waste and recycling services in Maidstone, please contact recycling@maidstone.gov.uk

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