FOOD waste recycling is set to be rolled out across the borough from the autumn, it has been confirmed.

By the end of November more than 62,000 residents will be able to recycle their meal leftovers every week.

The scheme is designed to increase Colchester’s recycling rate, which has fallen from 40.29 per cent in 2010/11 to 40.1 per cent in 2012/13.

Martin Hunt, borough councillor responsible for waste, also hopes the new system will cut the number of black sacks put out for collection.

He said: “I am delighted to announce the start of our food waste collection.

“With such positive results from our residents participating in the year-long trial, more than 62,000 more households will now benefit and be able to recycle more.

“Recycling food waste is quick and easy, and I’m sure residents will soon see their black bag rubbish and associated smells reduce.”

About 8,000 people who live in flats will have to wait until 2014 before the scheme is extended to them.

Facilities will be phased in to apartment blocks along with new mixed plastic recycling bins.
It is understood the delay is because of a lack of space in some blocks and officers are still deciding how to fit the new bins in.

The new scheme was made possible after Colchester Council secured £2.35million from the Government in 2012 in return for keeping weekly black sack collections.

About £750,000 is understood to be used to fund the food waste roll-out.

Delivery of food waste collection kits to more than 62,000 homes will take six weeks from October 22.

The weekly collections will have begun by November 29.

Each kit contains one roll of 25 compostable kitchen bin liners and recycling information.

When they run out, residents will have to buy their own bin liners, costing about £2.50 for 20 bags, available from retailers across the borough.

To find out where to buy from go to colchester.gov.uk/foodwaste.

Residents who were not part of the food waste collection trial in 2011/12 will also receive a small kitchen caddy and larger bin to go outside.