Southwark council launches food waste collection for blocks of flats

Residents in blocks of flats across Southwark will receive a free weekly food waste collection service from next month.

The new service, launched by Southwark council, is due to start on October 21, and will be rolled out to blocks of flats that do not already have a food waste collection.

Throughout September and October, Southwark council will deliver a ‘kitchen caddy’ to households being added to the service, which have already been contacted by post.

Residents can use the caddy to collect food scraps and transfer them to a communal food waste bin, which will be installed near their existing recycling and rubbish bins. 

The move comes after changes in government policy meant that councils must collect food waste separately from other household waste to ensure it can be sent to processing facilities and converted into renewable energy and fertiliser.

Councillor James McAsh, cabinet member for clean air, streets and waste, said: “This new food waste collection service is an important step towards making our community more sustainable and reducing our environmental impact. 

“I urge all residents to get involved and help make Southwark a greener place to live.”

To find out more, including detailed instructions on how to use the kitchen caddy, visit: southwark.gov.uk/foodwaste

Pictured top: Southwark residents with their new food waste bin (Picture: Southwark council)