WRAP forecasts &#39considerable&#39 rise in food waste collections

Highlighting the importance of the collection of organics to local authorities, the guidance document notes that in England during 2003/04, the collection of green waste overtook the collection of waste paper and board.

50% of organics

Now, WRAP suggests that in a similar way there is potential for food waste collection to grow. It notes that food waste makes up 50% of organics material generated by households and about 20% – six million tonnes – of total household waste arisings.

The study states that while in comparison to green waste, collections of food waste in the UK are in relative infancy, “considerable expansion is expected in the next 10 years as a means of contributing to Landfill Directive targets.”

WRAP 's work on encouraging councils to start food waste collections is coming about because the organisation is targeting organic material to help Defra in its work to increase the diversion of biodegradable materials from landfill.

Campaigns

The aim of the report is to help local authorities decide how best to plan and implement a food waste collection scheme and also how to encourage residents to participate through effective communication campaigns. With regard to data on existing projects, WRAP says that there is little verified information although work in Bexley points to a 75% collection rate when household food waste schemes are introduced.

The guidance suggests that local authorities should look at potential food waste collection systems with regard to their potential for diverting waste; end markets; legal compliance; and their impact on other recycling activities.

The guidance also outlines how different socio-economic factors have an effect on the type of food waste system suitable for an area for example in an area where people eat a lot of processed food.

A number of food waste collection services are discussed in the guidance including food caddies which are said to increase participation and are currently being trialed in Ealing.

The guidance says that the advantages of food caddies are:

• they are provided free of charge

• some designs have good aeration
• they are convenient for householders
• they can increase participation in a food waste collection scheme.

The report also discusses a shift towards vented caddies such as in Italy which is said to have been successful in recovering high diversion of food waste.

Although UK data is currently limited, there is some evidence from Europe that providing food caddies may encourage source separation in the home.