Huntingdonshire District Council will introduce a new weekly food waste recycling service for all households, helping residents recycle more and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
From 12 January, residents will start to receive their food waste containers, with weekly collections beginning on 30 March.
Every household will receive, free of charge:
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A 7-litre grey kitchen caddy
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A 23-litre outdoor food waste bin
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A letter and leaflet explaining how the service works and what can be recycled.
Flats and communal properties will be provided with adapted bins to suit shared collection points.
The new service is being introduced in line with national requirements under the Environment Act 2021, which makes it mandatory for councils across England to collect food waste separately.
Food waste currently makes up around a third of the average household bin. When sent to a landfill, it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. By recycling food waste, it can instead be turned into green energy and fertiliser, while also helping to reduce disposal costs. The service is funded by the government, meaning there will be no additional cost to residents.
All food waste can be recycled using the new service, including meat, bones, dairy, eggshells, coffee grounds, tea bags, and fruit and vegetables.
Executive Councillor for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene, Cllr Julie Kerr, said: “This is a positive step for Huntingdonshire and its residents. Food waste makes up a significant proportion of what we currently throw away, and this new service will mean less waste going to landfill, lower disposal costs, and more renewable energy created. I’d encourage everyone to take part when collections begin.”
Collection days will be published shortly and will be available through the council’s online bin calendar.
Further details about how the service will work, including guidance on what can and cannot go into your caddy, are available on the food waste page.