Over 4,187 tonnes of peelings, plate scrapings, eggshells, meat bones and other kitchen leftovers have been recycled by residents in Basingstoke and Deane and Hart, following the introduction of weekly food waste collections across both areas.

Growing numbers of households are using their caddies to recycle their food scraps through the new recycling service, launched last October by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Hart District Council. The two councils have a joint waste and recycling collection service.

In the first seven months, 2,547 tonnes of food waste weighing roughly the same as 1,700 medium sized cars has been taken away from the rubbish bin and turned into green energy and fertiliser in Basingstoke and Deane. And in Hart, households have recycled 1,640 tonnes, that’s the equivalent weight of around 1,250 medium sized cars.

Targets set by the government mean recycling rates across both areas must reach 65% by 2035, and the amount of rubbish thrown away each year must be cut to 287kg per person by 2042.

The introduction of the weekly food waste collection means around 30% of the waste residents used to put into their rubbish bins before the service started, can now be recycled instead.

Households who haven’t started food waste recycling yet can begin any time by putting their food waste caddies out on their collection day every week.

All food waste must be contained in a liner or plastic bag, like an old bread bag, to help keep food waste caddies cleaner and to protect bin crews from mould spores and mess. These plastic bags are removed and sent for incineration before the food waste is recycled.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “Residents keep telling us they want to recycle more and it’s great to see more of them making changes at home to separate out items that can be recycled from those that currently can’t. Over seven months after we introduced this weekly food waste recycling service, we’re seeing just over half of the borough’s households using the service and now putting less into their waste bins.

“Over the coming years we have to prepare for and adapt to big changes in the way the whole country manages its waste. Our recycling levels are low compared to other areas and we throw away much more than we should. To meet challenging government targets, in Basingstoke and Deane we need to more than double our recycling rate from 30% to 65% and cut by half the amount thrown away to 287kg per person. Everyone recycling or composting their food waste is a great start.”

Councillor David Neighbour, Leader of Hart District Council, said: “We’ve been thrilled by the early participation rates in the food waste collections, with around 60% of households in Hart taking advantage of the new service. Our recycling rates in Hart are currently over 50% – a testament to the efforts of our residents in this important area.

“I’d urge any residents who haven’t tried food waste recycling yet to give it a go – check out our website for all the information and tips you need to get started.”

People can find out more about how to start using the weekly food waste recycling service and get a caddy if needed by visiting both councils’ websites or scanning the QR code on the top of their silver indoor caddy. Residents living in Basingstoke and Deane should visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/food-waste  or call 01256 844844 and residents in Hart should visit www.hart.gov.uk/food-waste-collections or call 01252 622122.