Households across Fenland can now start filling their food waste recycling caddies ready for their first food waste collections from Monday (September 7).

Over the past six weeks, crews from Fenland District Council have delivered more than 90,000 caddies to over 45,000 homes across the district, together with a roll of indoor caddy liners and an instruction leaflet explaining how to get started.

Cllr Steve Tierney, Fenland District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Waste and Recycling, said: “Our food is for eating, not for wasting, but every meal leaves a little something behind – and when it’s recycled, it can do something remarkable!

"It produces energy to power homes and businesses, and fertiliser for our farmers.

Food waste collections will begin on September 7.

placeholder image — Food waste collections will begin on September 7.

“Residents will notice the benefits at home too. With weekly collections, there’ll be more room in your green bin and fewer smells as food will no longer be sitting in your green bin for longer periods.

“We know some people don’t have any waste as they use it for pets or compost or other clever ways. But for those that do, the food waste collection is going to give you more space in your bins, keep the flies and maggots away and be a useful addition.

“We’re introducing this service to meet Government legislation, but it’s free and completely optional – and we’re confident those choosing to take part will love it.”

The council has advised residents to fill their indoor caddies with food scraps, then empty that into the outdoor caddy whenever residents choose – just as they would with any

other bin.

It is recommended to line the indoor caddy to help keep it clean. It is possible to use

the liners provided or reuse any plastic or paper bag as all liners are removed at the recycling facility before the food waste is processed.

Then put the outdoor caddy out for collection every week, on the same day as your usual blue or green bin, with the bin handle up so crews can pick it up easily.

If you’ve not received your food waste caddies, email [email protected] or call 01354 654321 to arrange delivery before collections begin.

Town centre flats and communal properties will receive food waste caddies in the next phase of the service rollout in the winter and should continue using their existing bins as before.

You can find more information on the service, including FAQs, what goes in the caddy, and how food waste is recycled, at: www.fenland.gov.uk/foodwaste.