Food recycling in flats trial
Have you heard about Simpler Recycling? Local authorities will be required to collect the core recyclable waste streams from all households in England. This includes introducing weekly food waste collections.
Essex County Council are working with Braintree and Uttlesford District Councils to trial a food recycling service. 13 blocks of flats across the two districts have been selected to take part in the trial prior to the Government’s Simpler Recycling changes.
The aim of the trial
We want to encourage residents to divert food from the general rubbish bin and into a food caddy. This means it will be turned into energy and fertiliser.
We also want to test different approaches to inform the future rollout of this service to the rest of Essex.
What you will receive
For flat blocks in the trial, you will receive the following items to help get you started:
- an information leaflet
- a food caddy
- a one-off roll of liners
You will also notice new communal food bins with signage in the bin store for food recycling.
Easy as 1, 2, 3!
The best thing we can do is buy the food we need, and eat the food we buy. However, sometimes food waste is unavoidable. Remember, all food can be placed in your food recycling caddy, just make sure to remove any packaging first!
1
Line your new food caddy with the compostable bag provided.
Store your food caddy out of direct sunlight.
2
Put leftovers and any other food in your food caddy.
No food items should go in your general waste bin anymore.
3
When your food caddy is full, take the bag down to your bin store.
Regularly emptying can prevent odours and your bags from splitting.
What can go in your food recycling caddy
All food can be recycled, including:
- food scraps and plate scrapings
- meat and fish bones
- raw or cooked food
- mouldy food
- fruit and vegetables
- eggs including shells
- cheese
- bread, cakes, and pastries
- rice, pasta, and beans
- tea bags and coffee grounds
- even crisps, sweets, and chocolate!
Things that can't be recycled and should not be put in your food caddy:
- liquids, like milk and oil
- any packaging
- pet waste
- garden waste
Please remove these items from your food recycling as they can block and damage machinery.
Watch what happens to your food recycling
How you’re doing in Braintree and Uttlesford
In 2024, Braintree district residents sent over 4,900 tonnes and Uttlesford residents sent over 3,000 tonnes of food to be recycled at the anaerobic digestion facility. This recycled food generated enough green energy to power more than 1,580 homes in a single year!
Now it’s your turn!
Food recycling myths
There are many common myths when it comes to food waste and food recycling. We're here to set the record straight!
Contact your district
For further information, or to report a problem with your new food service, contact your district.