New food waste service has created extra pressures says senior figure

A new food waste service has created additional pressure on a council and has led to some bins not being collected, a senior figure has said. 

Cabinet member for environment and waste, Rhys Baker (Independent – Bourne Austerby) told members of South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) that the introduction of the new weekly food waste collection service has created some ‘teething problems’ and added to the authority’s responsibilities.

He said officers are investigating the issues with missed collections and hoped that they could be resolved as soon as possible. 

An SKDC Annual General Meeting on Thursday May 21, Coun Sarah Trotter (Conservative – Lincrest) said that she had noticed issues with the bin collections in her ward – to the east of Grantham. 

Coun Baker replied: “We are aware that there are some teething issues. We’re also aware that there are some long-standing teething issues that need a bit more investigation.”

He added: “I’m not going to stand here and say I have the answers for you – because I don’t.

“But I can say they are being investigated. You’re not the only councillor who has brought this to my attention and I’m very grateful for all members in the room for passing that on.”

SKDC introduced its food waste collections on Monday April 13 in response to government reforms which aim to improve recycling rates and reduce the contamination of the waste thrown away.