Portsmouth celebrates 175 tonnes of food waste recycled

In the first three months of a trial scheme run by Portsmouth City Council, local residents have recycled more than 175 tonnes of food scraps.

During the six-month trial, which started on 16 September 2019, people in selected areas are putting waste food into kitchen caddies. Instead of being incinerated and energy being recovered, the waste is recycled and turned into fuel and fertiliser.

175 tonnes of waste has been diverted to food waste recycling, meaning nearly 20 per cent of black bag refuse for the trial areas is now being recycled. Portsmouth City Council has seen approximately 60 per cent of households in the trial areas taking part each week.

The trial builds on the success of other recycling efforts introduced in Portsmouth, including more recycling banks in the city and the introduction of wheelie bins which means the city is now recycling more than 700 tonnes a month.

Dave Ashmore, cabinet member for Environment and Climate Change at Portsmouth City Council, said: "These food waste trial results are fantastic. It is great to see the uptake in the trial with 175 tonnes of food waste sent to recycling. We are committed to do whatever we can to reduce waste and recycle more and the residents' commitment to recycling has been extremely positive. I am excited to see the results of the second half of the trial. Thanks to the Portsmouth communities for doing such a great job.”