Food waste collection

The food waste collection scheme is working well but please remember that food must be wrapped in newspaper or biodegradable bags – no carrier bags, or plastic bags please.

Thanks to everyone who has been taking part in scheme. We have seen a significant increase in our recycling rate and have reduced the amount of waste going to landfill.

The biodegradable bags can be bought in supermarkets or corners shops.

Spelthorne’s food waste collection scheme has got off to a great start with a 5% increase in our recycling rate since the introduction of the new service. Thank you to all residents for participating in the scheme. The new scheme is having a positive impact on our rubbish collection which has seen a 9% reduction, this is also decreasing the costs of disposal and reducing waste to landfill.

On Monday 27 February the Love Food Surrey campaign began in Spelthorne and aims to help residents tackle their food waste further. Reducing food waste can save money on the monthly shopping bill as well as helping the environment. Also cutting down on food waste can be difficult when you’re pushed for time and your kids don’t always want to eat what you’ve cooked for them. The good news is that there is plenty of advice available to help you waste less, which you’ll find on the website www.lovefoodsurrey.com (external website)

The Council has decided to push ahead with a weekly food waste collection in order to increase recycling rates still further – from the current 37% (18% in 2007).

Surrey’s Plan for waste management has a recycling target of 70%, of which districts and boroughs would be expected to achieve 64% and County 86% from their community recycling centres.

Food waste makes up 28% of the residual waste in Spelthorne and if sent to landfill degrades forming methane - a potent greenhouse gas. Recycling all materials is important but we still support reduction and reuse of materials wherever possible.

We will be providing a kitchen caddy and a small container which goes outside, thus avoiding the plethora of objects found in some other Boroughs. We also hope this will make it very easy for residents to understand the new collections and actively take part while recognising we have some keen composters, who may not wish to join in at this time.

More plastics have been added to the range of items that can be recycled since May 2011, yoghurt pots, food trays – but not plastic bags or films – will be recyclable.

Please put your food bin with the handle in the upright position (locked) at the edge of your property, with your other waste or recycling. Normally your food waste will be collected on the same day as your rubbish/recycling. If it changes you will be told.

Clearing up 'use by' and 'best by' food labels

Use by

You will see 'use by' dates on food that is perishable (goes off quickly), such as smoked fish, meat products and ready-prepared salads.

Don't use any food or drink after the end of the 'use by' date on the label, even if it looks and smells fine. This is because using it after this date could put your health at risk.

If food can be frozen, its life can be extended beyond the 'use by' date. But make sure you follow any instructions on the pack.

Best before

'Best before' dates appear on a wide range of frozen, dried, tinned and other foods.

Except in the case of eggs, 'best before' dates are about quality, not safety. When the date passes, it does not mean that the food will be harmful, but it might begin to lose its falvour and texture. Remember to follow the instructions on the label.

More information on food labelling can be found on the web-site link below:

www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pages/food-labelling-terms.aspx (external website)

A lot of money can be wasted throwing food away that is perfectly usable so using food properly is very worthwhile.

Food waste video (mp4 10mb)

Food waste article in the Autumn 2011 Bulletin

Frequently asked questions about food waste

Compostable food bin liner stockists

Glossary of terms

Love food hate waste (external website)

Composting

Health and hygiene

Advice on use by and best before dates (external website)

What goes in my food waste bin

Press releases

Spelthorne Council food waste collection builds on success
Spelthorne Council starts weekly food waste collection in the autumn