People urged to use food waste bins

HOUSEHOLDERS in Carmarthenshire are being encouraged to use their food waste bins to cut down on the amount of black bags we send to landfill.

New figures from the Welsh Government show that homes in Carmarthenshire could produce an estimated 10,000 tonnes of food waste each year.

Despite Wales being the first country in the UK where all local councils collect food waste and almost every household in Wales now having a food waste bin, an estimated 30% of our food waste still goes into black bags.

Carmarthenshire County Council and Waste Awareness Wales are now urging householders to use their food waste bins to reduce the amount of food waste going to landfill and ensure Wales continues to lead the way on recycling.

Director of Technical Servicers Richard Workman said: “Separating food waste from your regular black bin waste is easy. All food types are accepted, including meat and fish both cooked and uncooked, fruit and vegetable peelings, dairy products, bread, cakes and pastries, rice, beans and pasta.

“Even the bits that you wouldn’t normally eat, such as eggshell and bones, can go into your food waste bin. Tea bags and coffee grounds can also be recycled, along with the leftovers from your plate at the end of a meal.”

Food waste takes up landfill space, and produces harmful gases such as methane as it rots which contributes to global warming and increases the threat of climate change.

Mr Workman added: “If it’s treated properly food waste can be a valuable resource. Wales is developing facilities that can turn our food waste into renewable energy to power our homes and businesses, as well as compost and fertiliser to help grow our crops and improve our soils.

“Households in Wales produce an estimated 227,000 tonnes of food waste a year, enough to fill over 10,500 double-decker buses. Every time we put food waste into our caddies it means that we’re creating fewer black bin bags, reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and making the most of our unavoidable food waste by turning it into energy, fertiliser and compost.

“Everyone creates a small amount of food waste, but using your caddy is a simple way to make sure that this waste can be turned into something useful instead of damaging the environment.”

Residents are also being reminded to try and reduce their food waste which will also help them save money. For example, by not buying food they won’t eat, measuring their portions, making another meal from leftovers and making the most of their freezer. For further help and advice visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/recycling