More than 430 tonnes of food waste have been diverted from black bins during the first month of household food waste collections in Derby.
All local authorities in England were required to introduce weekly food waste collections from 31 March as part of the government’s Simpler Recycling reforms.
Derby City Council said the collected food waste is processed at Severn Trent Green Power in Spondon, where it is used to generate renewable energy.
Diverting waste to anaerobic digestion allows it to be transformed into biogas for green energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser, rather than being sent to landfill.
Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha , Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Parks and Leisure, said the start was ‘very encouraging’.
“Like many councils across the country, Derby has faced challenges linked to a nationwide shortage of specialist food waste collection vehicles, meaning temporary hired, non-specialist vehicles had to be used,” Onuoha said.
“Seeing such a significant amount of waste diverted so early on shows that these small changes at home are already making a real difference.”
According to a BBC News investigation, more than 70 councils in England were set to miss the government’s deadline to introduce weekly food waste collections to all households.
