Could food waste recycling service be introduced in West Sussex?

The prospect of a new food waste recycling service in West Sussex has been raised by a county council cabinet member.
Food waste recycling bin used elsewhere in the country.Food waste recycling bin used elsewhere in the country.
Food waste recycling bin used elsewhere in the country.

A number of local authorities across the country have introduced separate bins for items such as tea bags and left-over food.

The current level of recycling is 41.6 per cent in West Sussex, but under an EU directive member states will need to reach 50 per cent or more by 2020.

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At a West Sussex County Council meeting last Friday, David Barling, cabinet member for residents’ services, said they were working with district and borough councils to establish a ‘direction of travel’ to get past 50 per cent.

Food waste recycling bin used elsewhere in the country.Food waste recycling bin used elsewhere in the country.
Food waste recycling bin used elsewhere in the country.

He explained how a major way to increase recycling would be through considering a ‘stand alone food waste service’.

District and borough authorities are responsible for collecting rubbish in their own areas, but the possibility of creating a West Sussex-wide system to save money was floated by the county council’s UKIP Group back in 2013.

It was mentioned again on Friday but Mr Barling explained how it was not currently possible as local authorities all had contracts that ended at different times, and different recycling methods in place.

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Since April, when pots, tubs and trays could first be included in recycling bins in West Sussex the total amount of plastics recycled has risen each month.

Taxpayers save money whenever rubbish is diverted away from landfill as the tax is £82.60 per tonne.

Arun District Council has put its waste collection service out to tender and Mr Barling said that Worthing Borough Council was intending to make an offer as part of the tender process.

What do you think? Would you welcome a food waste recycling service in West Sussex?

Comment below or email the newsdesk.

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