Thumbs up or a waste of time? - Wolverhampton locals weigh in on food waste bins as collections start
We asked locals what they thought of their new food waste caddies.
For Wolverhampton households, the arrival of new food waste caddies marks the start of a new weekly routine – one designed to keep food waste out of general rubbish and make it easier to recycle more of what is thrown away at home.
The city’s food waste collection service started this week - but will residents actually use them?
The weekly collections are being introduced under the government’s Simpler Recycling legislation, which requires councils all across the country to deliver the service.
The collections aim to help people recycle their scraps and plate scrapings, mouldy food, fruit and vegetable peelings, meat and fish bones, eggshells, teabags, coffee grounds and uneaten pet food.
Recycling food waste has a number of benefits including helping to turn leftovers into useful products such as green energy and natural fertiliser. It also helps cut carbon footprints and improves soil health.
But we asked locals what they thought and whether they actually intend to use them.
Joe, 34, of Wolverhampton, said he didn’t intend to use his because it was ‘going to be a pain’.
He said: “I've got three young children. I think it's going to be a pain.
“So, no, I hadn't planned on using it.
“I think for somebody who's got a young family, who has already got enough on his plate, it's the last thing he wants to be doing separating all the food.
“You know, I was happy how it was before just going in the normal bin. I think that's the way I'm going to carry on.”
Another Wolverhampton resident, Susan, said it was an ‘absolute waste of money’.
She said: “I don't think people actually know what's got to go in what bin. We've now got four or five bins, it's just a nightmare.
“I understand we have to recycle plastics and whatever, but I think this food waste is just an utter waste of time.
“I'm sorry to say, I think the council have got far better ways of spending money.”
For more details on what to put in your food waste caddy click here
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