Spelthorne Council has informed Stainespeople that they are delighted to announce the introduction of a weekly food waste collection starting on 24th October. 

The scheme is aimed at reinforcing waste policies to minimise the amount of rubbish sent – at rising expense – to landfill, and also to increase recycling. 

The introduction of the alternate weekly waste collection service in 2007 has significantly improved recycling rates and the introduction of the food waste collection service later this year should push the levels further up. However the Council is concerned that a significant amount of rubbish that could be recycled is put in the general rubbish bin.

The Council has therefore provided a set of guidelines that should help residents understand clearly, what can and cannot be recycled, and also increase the efficiency of the service.

The key points are:

·    only rubbish placed in the dark green bin with the lid closed, will be collected

·    bins should be at the kerbside at latest, by 6am on the collection day

·    recycling must be free from materials that cannot be recycled such as plastic bags. If the wrong things are put in the bin, it cannot be collected.

·    stickers will be placed on bins where the wrong things have been put in 

·    extra recycling (lighter materials not glass) can be collected from the side of the recycling bin if  left in a plastic bag. Glass should always be in the recycling bin

·    food waste caddies and bins will be issued to all residents suitable for inclusion in the new service

·    outdoor bins for food waste should be placed at the kerbside for collection in the normal way with the handle in the upright position

·    food waste must be wrapped, either in paper or a compostable liner

·    bins not placed at the kerbside at the right time will not be collected until the next scheduled collection day

·    composting will continue to be encouraged as an alternative way of dealing with food waste.

A full description of the food waste collection service – what can and cannot be collected, as well as some questions and answers can be found at www.spelthorne.gov.uk/foodwaste

Councillor Robert Watts, Cabinet Member for the Environment commented: "It is essential that our residents are aware of the serious cost implications of not recycling as much as possible. 

"We have been aware, for some time, of residents' concerns about food sitting in bins for two weeks and this service will deal with that.

"The more rubbish we produce, the higher the disposal cost to Council Tax payers. These measures will help reduce that burden to residents through increased recycling and less rubbish going to landfill.

"We have already made a lot of progress and improved our recycling rates greatly but more still needs to be done. I am sure our residents will work with us to continue this progress."