More residents from across Bath & North East Somerset will be able to recycle their food waste with the expansion of the council's collection service to more addresses across the district.

Over the next fortnight food waste caddies will be delivered to 745 flats, including addresses in Paulton and Midsomer Norton.

It means from October residents of these flats will be able to recycle all their raw and cooked food waste, including fruit and vegetable peelings, plate scrapings and bones.

Councillor David Wood, cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: "During lockdown residents really embraced food recycling as the amount of we collected was up 22% on the same period the previous year. This was a fantastic effort and we really want residents to keep up the momentum, so I'm pleased we are now able to expand our collection service. It's a simple system: instead of throwing food waste out with the general rubbish, you put it in the small kitchen caddy and, when its full, empty it into the large shared food waste bin outside your building which will be collected weekly

"Food waste that ends up in black wheelie bins costs the council over £100 per tonne to dispose of and, if it ends up in landfill, it can also cause greenhouse gases. However, if it's recycled it's processed to produce renewable energy and turned into nutrient-rich compost to use on agricultural land. So, by simply recycling your food waste you can help tackle the Climate Emergency, while saving the council money that can be used to fund essential services."

Letters will be delivered to residents being offered the expanded service alongside their new food caddies. The letters explain the food recycling system and provide advice on how to line the plastic kitchen caddy, from reusing household plastic bags, including potato and bread bags, to using compostable liners, newspaper or paper bags.

Residents can see for themselves the fascinating process of how food waste, collected in Bath and North East Somerset, is transformed into electricity. The council has partnered with the recycling and renewable energy company GENeco to produce a video showing the 'circular economy' where nothing is wasted. To watch the film click here: the You Tube site

For more information about the expanded food waste collection service email [email protected]

To find out more about the council's recycling services, how to order a food waste caddy or join the collections click here: the B&NES recycling site

For tips on how to reduce food waste and save, money visit: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com