Food waste trial - Luton BC

In July 2007 Luton Borough Council started a weekly food waste trial for approximately 8000 households.

The council provide householders with a kitchen caddy, outside food bin and biodegradable bags.

Around 20% of household rubbish that is sent to landfill is food waste. It rots and produces harmful gases that contribute global warming.

The food waste is taken to a processing plant where it is turned into fertiliser which is used on crops. The gas generated is converted into electricity.

How does it work?

Food waste is collected weekly on the same day as your normal refuse.

How to use your kitchen caddy and outside food bin?

Line the caddy with a biogradable bag, do not use plastic bags
Use your caddy to collect the food waste in the kitchen
When it is full, tie the bag and put it in the bigger food bin
Lock the outside bin by moving the handle forward
Put your outside bin next to your normal refuse bin on the day of your collection

What can you recycle?

Fruits and vegetables - raw and cooked
Dairy product such as cheese and egg shells
Raw and cooked meat as well as fish
Leftover food from your dishes and plates
Bread, cakes and pastries
Rice, pasta and cereal
Tea bags and coffee grounds

What you cannot recycle?

Bones
Liquids
Oil or liquid fat
Packaging of any sort
Plastic bags

Please note: If your outside food bins contains anything except approved materials it will not be emptied.

Tips for recycling your food waste

Keep your kitchen caddy and outside food bin clean by tying your biodegradable bags when they are full and washing your bins regularly.
Lock your outside food bin to stop vermin getting in and smells developing
Do not use plastic bags, they do not decompose
If you need more biodegradable bags call 01582 51 03 33
You can always use newspaper to wrap your food waste in before the delivery of additional biodegradable bags