Pendle residents recycle 756 tonnes of food waste in six months
The scheme has seen an average of 29 tonnes of food waste collected per week, with participation rates highest in Colne and lowest in Nelson.
More Pendle residents are being encouraged to recycle their food waste.
In just over six months since the Council’s weekly food waste collection service was introduced, residents have sent over 756 tonnes of food waste - an average of 29 tonnes per week - to be converted into fertiliser or biofuel to create energy.
These statistics were part of a report to the Executive to update councillors on the food waste collection service following its introduction on 30 March.
Councillor Asjad Mahmood, Leader of Pendle Borough Council, said: “Although it is great to see some residents have got on board with this collection service, we would still like to encourage more people to join in.
"The scheme is easy and convenient to use; we provide the caddies and liners residents need and collect their food leftovers weekly. It also provides a wide range of important environmental benefits. By recycling food waste, we’re keeping it out of the landfill, cutting harmful greenhouse gases and turning it into valuable energy and fertiliser instead.”
Since its introduction, food waste caddies have been collected from 31% of properties in Pendle at least once.Participation rates are the highest in Colne, with the least number of people taking part in Nelson.
Councillor Zafar Ali, the Council’s Operational Portfolio Holder, added: “The scheme is having a positive impact on the Council’s overall recycling rate, which is great news.
“We are seeing an increase in the percentage of material diverted from disposal to recycling and composting. The progress we are seeing is encouraging, and I would like to thank residents who are already participating.The more households that take part, the greater the opportunity we have to improve our recycling rates and make better use of the waste we collect.”