Bins, recycling and litter newsletter - March 2024
Find out about what's been happening with Dorset Council's waste services, including bin collections and recycling centres.
View this email in your browser
** Newsletter - March 2024
------------------------------------------------------------
In celebration of Food Waste Action Week 2024
.
** Your food waste can help create energy in a sustainable way
------------------------------------------------------------
The incorrect disposal of food creates large amounts of greenhouse gases, which causes climate change. The good news is that food collected from your food bins is taken to a facility in Dorset where the process creates energy. This means your food waste can help create energy in a sustainable way, without burning fossil fuels.
Food waste is also heavy and, as waste disposal is calculated by weight, is expensive for the council to dispose of if mixed with your normal rubbish. Food collected separately is much cheaper to deal with, helping to save money for essential public services.
All types of food can go into your food bin, including all cooked and uncooked food,
fruit and vegetable peelings, meat and fish bones and tea bags and coffee grounds. The only items we can’t accept are liquids - and please remember to take the food out of its packaging first!
If you only have very little food waste, or compost it or give it to your pet, that’s great! We’re happy to collect any food waste, however small in quantity.
Don't have a food bin? Order one here
** Using the food waste service - Common concerns
------------------------------------------------------------
Whilst the majority of our residents use the food waste service, it does still pose a few concerns for some people. Our residents tell us the food waste service is really easy to use. If you struggle to make it work in your home these tips may help:
* Provided your lid is kept closed, flies should not be able to get into your food containers. Wet pet food left out for long periods can attracts flies. Only put out what your pet will eat, and pop what’s left in your food caddy soon after they’ve finished.
* Adding a few layers of kitchen roll at the bottom of your caddy can help to soak up any food waste items that creates smells
* Your caddy can be easily cleaned by putting it in your dishwasher or by rinsing it out with mild detergent, or Bicarbonate of Soda.
* Most people prefer to keep their caddies out of sight, like in a cupboard under the sink
* Alternatively, you could use a smaller container of your own (e.g. an ice cream tub) as long as the contents are emptied into the larger food waste bin (or communal food bin) before collection.
* Please be aware that some caddy liners that are for sale are 5 litre and will be too small for the caddy we provide. (The caddy is 7 litre).
* If you’d prefer not to buy caddy liners, then you can line your caddy with newspaper or kitchen roll.
Find out more, including where your food waste goes
** Interested in finding out more tips about reducing, reusing and recycling, as well as what our recycling team gets up to?
------------------------------------------------------------
** We post regularly to our Facebook
pages, so please follow us on our social channels!
------------------------------------------------------------
** Love Food Hate Waste
------------------------------------------------------------
Recycling food waste is great but reducing food waste is even better, particularly as it can potentially save you a lot of money!
If you think you’re not going to use something by its use-by date, it might be possible to freeze it. A surprising variety of food can be frozen, including bread, cheese, potatoes, some fruit and vegetables and even eggs (yes, really!) It’s just a question of preparing it the correct way first (e.g. par-boiling).
Making a list before you go shopping, storing food correctly, serving the right portions, and using up leftovers in tasty new meals are all handy ways to cut down on food waste that’s edible, and hopefully it will help your budget too.
More tips on reducing your food waste
** Community Fridges are brilliant food-sharing community enterprises
------------------------------------------------------------
We have plenty of community fridges in Dorset. Anybody is welcome to come along and take home any fresh or larder items for free that are available that day (just leave plenty for others!).
Most of the food is donated by supermarkets, but residents are also welcome to donate. As an example, this perhaps might be something to consider if you’re going on holiday and have a lot of food left in the fridge. Check for details of what they accept first. Take a look at our Zero Waste Map to find out if there’s a community fridge near you.
Find your local community fridge
** Choose What You'll Use
------------------------------------------------------------
As part of Food Waste Action Week 2024, we’re being asked to consider buying our fruit and vegetables loose, where possible. There are many benefits to shopping loose, whether it’s reducing the amount of plastic waste ending up in the bin or the freedom to choose exactly what you want.
To find out more, or to have a go at a fun food quiz, follow the link to the food waste action week website.
Find out more
============================================================
** Facebook
** Twitter
** Website
** Check your bin day
** Report a bin problem
** Find out what goes in which bin
Copyright © 2024 Dorset Council, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have signed up to receive e-newsletters about one or more Dorset Council services.
Our mailing address is:
Dorset Council
County Hall
Colliton Park
Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XJ
United Kingdom
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences
or ** unsubscribe from this list
Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp