Almost half the rubbish we throw away in Southwark is food. Food waste produces greenhouse gas emissions which harm the environment.
Recycling it:
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reduces waste and helps tackle climate change
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saves the council money as it's cheaper to process than general household waste
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means we can turn it into renewable energy and fertiliser for farmland
The best thing we can do with our food is eat it. But they'll always be waste, like banana skins, teabags and plate scrapings. These can all be recycled.
No amount is too small and you'll be doing your bit for the planet.
We already provide a free food waste collection for street-level properties, and are now extending it to flats.
New laws mean you must start separating your recycled food waste from your other recycling.
What's next?
We've already started delivering:
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small (5 litre) food waste caddies for kitchens
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communal food waste bins to empty your caddy into
From 21 October we'll collect food waste every week from the communal bins.
This means you can get recycling from 14 October if you're all set up.
Help us set up
Some flats may take a little longer to set up, like:
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flats above shops
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flats without space for bins
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small blocks with less than 8 flats which often already have a collection service
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blocks where collection points have not been agreed
We're working on these issues and aim to have most flats up and running by March 2025.
Get in touch if you're:
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in a flat and think you've been missed off, or have not had any information by the end of October
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you're a private tenant and your property manager or landlord has not set you up
Email foodwaste@southwark.gov.uk.
Property managers and landlords
Soon food waste collection from the flats you manage will be compulsory.
Email us your contact details so we can work with you to make sure the new service is introduced smoothly.
We'll let you know if you can have either the 240 litre brown food waste bins and/or food waste bin housing units.
Housing units are available on a first come first served basis.
Then we will arrange delivery of bins, caddies and information leaflets to your property for you to distribute to residents.
Get recycling!
Find out what goes in your caddy and how to reduce your food waste.