When organic waste such as garden waste, food waste and even paper, cardboard and textiles is sent to landfill, it is buried and compacted so that air cannot get to it.  As the waste breaks down in the absence of air it creates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas which contributes to climate change.  To help combat this environmental problem, Braintree District Council has started collecting food waste which will be composted along with green garden waste.

From September 2009 residents have been encouraged to put all their food waste (including cooked and uncooked food, meat, fish and bones) into their green wheeled bin along with their garden waste which we will take for composting.  The waste is sent to a specialised composting plant for In-Vessel Composting which ensures that composting takes place in a controlled, enclosed environment and meets the Animal By-Products Regulations.  The resulting soil conditioner is used in landscaping and horticulture.

We've delivered kitchen caddies and instruction leaflets to all households with wheeled bins to help residents collect their food waste in the kitchen before putting it in the green bin. 

If you are on the wheeled bin scheme and didn't receive your caddy or if you'd like more information on this new service please call the Customer Service Centre on 01376 552525.