Burnley residents recycle 46 tonnes of food waste in first week

The service has been introduced as part of the Government’s Simpler Recycling legislation, which requires councils to collect food waste separately from household waste. 

Burnley Council says the first week’s figures are a positive start, with residents across the borough using their food waste caddies to separate food scraps from general waste. 

Food waste collected separately can be recycled, helping to reduce the amount sent through the general waste stream. 

Jo Maclean, Burnley Council’s Head of Streetscene, said: 

“We’d llke to say a big thank you to residents for getting behind the new food waste collection service. 

“To recycle 46 tonnes in the first week is a really strong start. It’s a significant amount of food waste that has been kept out of general waste bins, and residents have played a big part in that. 

“We know this is a change for households, but the early response has been really positive. We’d encourage everyone to keep using their food waste caddy each week.” 

Residents can use their food waste caddy for all food waste, including leftovers, peelings, tea bags, coffee grounds, meat, fish, bones, dairy, bread, rice, pasta, eggshells and plate scrapings. 

Packaging, liquids, oil, liquid fat and non-food items should not be placed in the food waste caddy. 

More information about the food waste collection service, including what can and cannot go in the caddy, is available at https://burnley.gov.uk/waste-recycling/recycling/food-waste/