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Bucks partners with Olio on food waste prevention

Buckinghamshire county council has partnered with the food-sharing mobile phone app provider Olio as part of its effort reduce food waste in the county.

Olio is a free app that connects residents, businesses and charities with surplus food redistribution organisations and individuals to share edible food.

According to the council, Buckinghamshire householders produce 38,000 tonnes of food waste every year. The council reports 16,000 tonnes of this is treated via anaerobic digestion, but around 22,000 tonnes (58%) goes into residual waste.

The council said it hopes that the partnership will  encourage residents to waste less food.

App

Olio was founded in 2015 and its website suggests that over 200,000 items of food have been shared since it was set up.

In a statement, the organisation said: “This could be food nearing its sell-by date in local stores, spare home-grown vegetables, bread from your baker, or the groceries in your fridge when you go away.”

The app allows users to upload a picture and description, along with when and where the item is available for collection. Users can browse the listings in near-by locations, and arrange a pick-up via private message.

Commenting on the partnership with Olio, Warren Whyte, Buckinghamshire county council cabinet member for planning & environment, said: “Food waste is a serious environmental issue and this truly innovative idea harnesses new technology to help make a difference. I’m delighted that the County Council is joining up with OLIO to give our residents and food outlets the opportunity to take part.”

Tessa Cook, co-founder of Olio, commented: “We at Olio can’t wait to expand our app within Buckinghamshire, an area with such a passion for food waste reduction already established. ͞With Buckinghamshire’s dynamic community and existing food waste efforts, it feels a perfect match for Olio.”

Related Links

Buckinghamshire county council
Olio

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