Coventry councillors raise concerns over delayed food waste collections

Coventry councillors have expressed concerns over the city's new food waste collection plans set to launch in September, predicting potential chaos and the likelihood of plastic caddies ending up in landfill.

The roll-out is scheduled five months later than the Government's deadline.

Details of the distribution of 23-litre food caddies and service provisions for flats were presented to the city council’s communities and neighbourhoods scrutiny board.

Councillors highlighted the confusion some residents may face due to varying collection days.

Food waste will be collected five days a week, while other bins are collected from Tuesdays to Fridays.

Sarah Elliott, the council’s strategic lead for environmental services, explained that the five-day schedule aims to reduce the workload per round and improve staff wellbeing.

However, councillors such as Tim Sawdon questioned the plan.

He mentioned his experience in Warwick where synchronized collections have proven effective.

Cllr Gavin Lloyd suggested that all bin collections should be moved to a five-day schedule to avoid confusion.

Echoing these concerns, Cllr Ed Ruane expressed doubts about uptake, noting the potential disposal of caddies in landfill.

Cllr Grace Lewis supported the skepticism expressed by her colleagues.

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