New food waste collection service for businesses in Chichester district

The service, which is now available for any business that deals with food in the district and surrounding areas, provides an easy and cost effective way to recycle food waste.

Businesses signing up to the service will be provided with a special food waste bin that is purpose built to seal in odours and prevent leaks, and is designed so that it is easy to clean.

Penny Plant, cabinet member for the environment and contract services at Chichester District Council, said: “We understand that food waste is a valuable resource and just throwing it away comes at a cost to both the business and the environment. This new service is a great option for businesses as it provides a local collection solution that is easy to use, reduces our impact on the environment as well as helping businesses to save money on waste collection costs.

“Separating food waste can result in savings for businesses by reducing the volume and frequency of general waste collections.

“In addition to this, all of the food waste collected through this service is recycled through a process known as anaerobic digestion where it is converted into renewable energy and bio fertiliser.

“As a local service provider, we can offer a regular and reliable collection service which we know is important to businesses. By being so local it also means our dedicated food waste collection crews don’t have to travel long distances to collect from our customers which minimises vehicle movements and miles travelled.

“We know that the Government is looking to make food waste separation mandatory for businesses, so by signing up to our service businesses can be sure that they will always be compliant with the latest regulations.

“Our experienced Business Waste team are on hand to help guide you through the service, and to provide tailored advice on how to reduce your waste further.

Alongside this new service for businesses, Chichester District Council is continuing to work with the West Sussex Waste Partnership to investigate and plan for the introduction of food waste collections for households.

Trials of household food collections will be starting in the Arun district next year. Chichester District Council will be working closely with Arun District Council to monitor the results of the trials before implementing household food waste collections in the Chichester district.

For more information about the Business Food Waste Recycling Service, and to sign up visit www.chichester.gov.uk/businessfoodwaste