New food waste video

A new video showing just how easy it is to recycle food waste in West Dorset is now available.

It’s a handy guide to the new food waste recycling collection scheme, which was launched in Sherborne and surrounding villages in April.

Thanks to local residents the scheme is proving a big success, with more than 115 tonnes of food waste being collected to be transformed into turf.

The collection of other recyclable materials has also risen from an average of 148 tonnes a month to 158 tonnes and the recycling rate for this area has also increased from 29 per cent to 39 per cent since the scheme started.

The video shows the food waste being taken to Eco-Composting in Dorset and how it’s made into compost which is used to grow turf.

Check out the video here.

Love your electricals, set your old ones free

Has your kettle run out of steam? Is your toaster singeing your toast? Many of us are already recycling everyday items such as newspapers, cans and bottles. But did you know that old and unused electrical items can also become useful again?

To celebrate Recycle Now week (21 to 27 June), a series of three recycling roadshows are taking place in the west of the county. If you have any unwanted small waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) like toasters or kettles gathering dust in your home, take them along to one of the roadshows.

Dorset Reclaim has arranged to have special drop off points for small electrical items at the events to save you the hassle of getting rid of them.

So come along and see our recycling team at one of the following:

• 23 June – Culverhayes car park, Sherborne – 10am to 2pm
• 24 June – Bucky Doo Square, Bridport – 10am to 2pm
• 25 June – South Street, Dorchester – 10am to 2pm

Food waste recycling advisors to visit Sherborne homes

If you live in the Sherborne area, you will soon be getting a visit from one of West Dorset District Council’s recycling advisors to tell you about a new recycling scheme which will see food waste collected from the kerbside and transformed into compost.

All food waste, including bread, cakes, meat, fish, yoghurts, dairy produce, egg shells and cooked meals will be picked up for recycling each week from people’s homes when the service starts on 26 April. Residents can still compost vegetable peelings, fruit, tea bags and ashes at home.

From 23 March recycling advisors Tom and Kate will be travelling around the area to speak to residents about the new scheme and will be able to answer any questions. The recycling advisors will be easily recognisable in West Dorset District Council branded hi-visibility jackets and will also be carrying an ID badge.

Sherborne residents will also get the chance to find out more about the scheme at a series of roadshows.

One week before the scheme starts in the Sherborne area, households will receive:

• A brown kerbside food bin
• A green vented kitchen caddy
• A roll of introductory compostable liners
• A handy guide to the new service

By using the new food waste collection and recycling service, the average household will produce less landfill rubbish. This is why the district council will only be collecting two normal sized rubbish bags per week, per household when the scheme starts on 26 April.

New food waste recycling scheme for Sherborne

Great news for Sherborne residents, West Dorset District Council are introducing a major new recycling scheme to transform food waste into compost.

The scheme, which launches on 26 April 2010, will see food waste, including bread, cakes, meat, fish, yoghurts, dairy produce and cooked meals, picked up for recycling each week from your home. You can still home compost vegetable peelings, fruit, tea bags and egg shells.

Here are the facts you need to know:

• Food waste will be collected alongside normal rubbish from 9,000 households in Sherborne.
• Around 750 tonnes of food will be collected each year when the service starts.
• If the scheme proves successful we will look at extending it to the rest of west Dorset in the future.
• By using the new weekly food waste service and the fortnightly recycling service, the average household in Sherborne should produce no more than two bags of landfill waste per week. So, when the scheme starts we will be limiting refuse collection to two normal sized black bags per week per household.
• The average household in West Dorset throws away 14kg of waste per week. After recycling glass, cans, paper, cardboard and food waste, two bags are enough for the rest of the waste.
• Some households will be eligible to apply for an exemption. You will need to contact the customer service team at West Dorset District Council for more information.

Click here for more information