Overview
In Staffordshire, food waste is collected separately by specialised vehicles and sent to an anaerobic digestion (AD) facility, where it is it is broken down to produce bio-gas.
The bio-gas can be used to generate renewable heat and electricity to power our communities.
A nutrient-rich bio-fertiliser is also produced which can be used in parks, open spaces and farms, to improve soil and help grow more food.
By recycling your food waste, you are helping to grow the next harvest right here in our county.
One banana skin can generate enough energy to fully charge your smartphone twice. Imagine what a whole caddy could do!
Why It Matters Locally
This isn't just about meeting government mandates; it's about saving the taxpayer money on disposal costs and generating renewable energy to power our own communities.
By May 2026, we aim to reduce this waste by at least 25%.
It starts with one small caddy in your kitchen.
The benefits in Staffordshire:
Savings
Reducing waste reduces disposal costs for councils
In Staffordshire, reducing food waste could unlock up to £1 million in savings, alongside significant environmental benefits
Reducing food waste generally also saves residents money too. Throwing food away costs the average Staffordshire household:
- £260 per person per year
- £620 per average household of 2.4 people
- £1000 for a n average family of four
Recycling Rates
Separating food waste improves recycling performance and reduces pressure on residual waste systems.
Environment
Food waste contributes 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Removing food waste from residual bins reduces emissions.
If every household in Staffordshire used their new caddy, we would hit our waste reduction targets overnight.
Myth Busting
We know some residents have concerns. Here’s the reality:
“It will smell and attract pests!”
Not if you tie up the liner and put it regularly into your outside container. This has a sealable and lockable lid which will stop smells and prevent animals getting in.
Also remember that food waste collections are weekly, so removing the smelliest material from your main kitchen bin and general kerbside bin more often.
When food waste is contained properly and collected weekly, pest issues are rare.
Top tip:
- Keep your kitchen caddy lid closed
- Empty it regularly
- Store it in a cool place
- Ensure your outdoor caddy is locked and secure by lifting the handle
“It all goes to the same place anyway.”
It doesn’t.
Food waste is collected and processed separately. It is then turned into renewable energy to power our communities and nutrient rich fertiliser for use on farms to help grow more food
“We don’t produce enough food waste in our house.”
Most households believe this, but research shows nearly all households produce food waste regularly.
Remember there is no amount too small. Some waste like banana skins, tea bags and plate scrapings are inevitable, and these can all be put into your kitchen caddy
Even small amounts matter.
“I don’t have space for the caddy.”
A lot of people find that keeping it under the sink, next to the kitchen bin or on the work top is practical.
And remember you can use your own container if you prefer something more stylish or it fits better in your kitchen.
