Surrey Councils Call on Residents to Recycle All Their Food Waste

Published on: 14 Jan, 2025
Updated on: 14 Jan, 2025

Last year, Surrey residents recycled over 37,000 tonnes of food waste, the equivalent in weight of almost 3,000 double-decker buses!

Food waste recycling services across the county have gone from strength to strength, with many residents incorporating food recycling into their daily routine and presenting their caddy regularly for collection.

Research by the Surrey Environment Partnership (SEP) found that 90 per cent of residents have used their food caddy recently or plan to in the future. But if all food waste was recycled in Surrey, it could save a further £4.9 million per year, which could then be used to fund other essential local services and help provide power to thousands more households annually.

SEP’s latest campaign calls on local residents to follow in their neighbours’ footsteps and start recycling their food waste. With free weekly food waste collections throughout Surrey, they say it is never too late to start.

A council spokesperson said: “Residents can simply contact their local council today to request a caddy. All food scraps and leftovers including meat, bones, eggshells and tea bags can go into the caddy, which should be presented on the usual bin collection day. Caddies can be kept clean and fresh by using plastic bags such as old shopping bags, pedal bin liners or even repurposed bread bags.”

Cllr Marisa Heath

SEP Chair Marisa Heath said: “It has never been easier to own your impact and make a difference. I strongly encourage all residents to take advantage of their free weekly collection and caddy any food they can’t eat. It’s a quick and easy way you can help the planet from home.”

For more information on food waste recycling as well as tips and recipes to help you reduce your food waste, visit surreyep.org.uk.