Do you put food waste in your black bin? Here’s why the Isle of Wight Council is advising you shouldn’t …
A survey on what goes into a typical black refuse bin on the Island found nearly 22 per cent is food waste. In 2020, that figure was 25 per cent.
Dix: Really concerning
Tash Dix, the council’s waste and environment manager, said the figure was still ‘really concerning’ at a scrutiny meeting last week, and hoped it could be something Islanders could stop.
A recent study, she said, found the majority of food waste in the black bin is ‘avoidable’ with two issues in particular highlighted.
Food found in black bin waste
One area was out-of-date meat and vegetables. Rather than separate the food from the packaging, everything is being put in the black bin.
The other was bread ends. The two crusts of bread, at the start and end of the loaf, were being placed into the general black rubbish bin, still in the bread bag.
Ms Dix said the bread bag is recyclable and the bread could go into the green food waste bin.
Think about food waste
She said thought needs to go into tackling this and consideration from residents as to whether they are going to eat the food they buy in a week or if they even need to buy it.
Food waste is separated in the collection lorries and goes through different waste disposal than general rubbish.
Food waste converted to energy
Through a process called anaerobic digestion, the food waste is used to create electricity and compost.
Ten tonnes of food waste can generate enough power to provide electricity for one home for a year.
The council says it is better to avoid throwing out food that can be eaten as it saves residents money and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Put leftover food in the food caddy
Any leftover food – tea bags, coffee grounds, eggshells, fruit and vegetables, cooked and uncooked foods, and small meat bones can all be put in the food caddy.
A food caddy can be ordered online through the council’s Website or by calling 01983 823777.
Article edit
7.50am 11th May 2023 – Headline amended from “22 per cent of Islanders still put food waste into their black bin bags”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
