Food waste collections expanded across Guildford

The borough council is increasing collections to cover flats and communal properties

From Monday an extra 1,653 homes in Guildford, Surrey, will be able to recycle their food waste.

The borough council is increasing collections to cover flats and communal properties.

The work is ahead of England-wide regulations coming into force in April, which will mean all councils having to provide weekly food waste recycling.

Properties being added to Guildford's scheme should receive a five-litre caddy and a roll of bags to line them.

Slimline outdoor food waste wheelie bins will also be installed.

George Potter, lead councillor for environmental services, said: "Recycling food waste is not only environmentally friendly but it's also cost-effective.

"It's over three times cheaper to send food waste to an anaerobic digestion facility for recycling, than to dispose of it as rubbish.

"At these facilities, food waste is broken down to produce biogas, which is then converted into electricity.

"The leftover material also creates a fertiliser that can be used in farming and land regeneration. A practical way to turn waste into a renewable resource."

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