Council chiefs say they need more time to implement new food waste service
Council chiefs say they need more time to implement a new food weekly food waste service – but say they’re still on track to meet new government recycling targets.
The government had set a deadline of March 31 for all councils in England to implement a new weekly food waste collection service as part of reforms to improve recycling rates and reduce the contamination of the waste we throw away.
While some councils across Lincolnshire have introduced the new service ahead of the deadline, others have decided to roll out the service later in the year.
The South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP) – which covers Boston Borough Council, South Holland District Council and East Lindsey District Council – is set to implement its new food waste service this autumn, with the new food waste bins will form part of wider change for the area.
SELCP bosses say that despite their plan to implement the new service later in the year, they are still complying with the government’s rules.
A spokesperson for the SELCP said: “Boston Borough Council and East Lindsey District Council are undertaking a review of waste services and are not just introducing a new food waste service.
“South Holland District Council is transforming its waste service by moving from weekly sack collections for general waste and recycling, to wheeled bins.
“New containers are being provided to all households to enable the separate collection of mixed dry recycling, paper and card, food waste and general waste. The garden waste scheme will be expanded.
“All the councils are taking the opportunity to update their vehicle fleets to accommodate food waste, recycling and general waste collections. The new vehicles will be delivered later in the year.
“The services will meet the requirements of the UK Government’s Simpler Recycling policy.
“It will improve access to the services, improve the quality of recycling and reduce the amount of general waste collected.”
Across the rest of the county, City of Lincoln Council, West Lindsey District Council and North Kesteven District Council started their weekly food waste collection services on Monday March 30.
South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) introduced its weekly food waste service on Monday April 13.
SKDC said it launched later because it didn’t want to confuse residents with changes over the Easter bank holiday weekend.