Solihull Council has announced the official start date for its new weekly food waste collection service, set to begin on Monday, 5 October. This initiative aims to transform household food waste into renewable energy and fertiliser for local farms, supporting the community’s commitment to sustainability.
Between August and September, every household with its own bin or sacks will receive two new caddies: a 7-litre kitchen caddy for indoor use and a larger, 23-litre lockable outdoor caddy designed to keep pests away. Along with these, residents will be provided with a comprehensive guide to help them use the service effectively.
This service is part of the Government’s Simpler Recycling scheme, which promotes easier and more consistent recycling across England. Residents simply need to place their food waste—including plate scrapings, peelings, and tea bags—into the kitchen caddy. Liquids should be excluded. When the kitchen caddy is full, it can be emptied into the outdoor caddy for collection on the usual rubbish day.
READ MORE: Hundreds of Counterfeit Labubu and Disney Toys Seized in Walsall Amid Safety Concerns
READ MORE: Grandfather’s Home and Vehicles Vandalized in Early Morning Attack in Bordesley Green
As more food waste is diverted to recycling, most households will shift from weekly to fortnightly rubbish collections starting 5 October, although recycling and subscribed garden waste collections will remain unchanged.
Cllr Ken Hawkins, Solihull Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, emphasized the benefits of the new service: “Over 30% of waste from Solihull households is food waste, and the average UK family throws away up to £1,000 worth of food annually. This service not only helps reduce waste and save money but also supports a cleaner, greener Solihull by converting food waste into fertiliser and renewable energy.”
Residents can learn more about the new collection service and upcoming changes at a series of summer information events hosted by the Council’s waste and recycling team alongside Veolia. The first event will be held from 10am to midday on Saturday, 6 June, at Knowle Green Fair, St John’s Hall, High Street, Knowle.
For full details on the food waste collection, including what can be recycled, collection schedules, and event information, visit www.solihull.gov.uk/collection-changes.