Towards the end of last year, we launched our Food Waste Survey to help us learn more about our resident’s food waste habits. The survey had a great response; you gave us some really useful information, and we’ve taken all of your comments on board.
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Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “The Food Waste Survey has been incredibly useful in helping us to understand the different reasons why residents do or do not recycle food waste in Wrexham, so we really thank everyone who took the time to complete it for us.
“Your comments were really appreciated, and they’ve allowed us to see some areas where you’ve needed more information to get the most out of the food waste recycling service. So, with that in mind, we’ve come up with a list of handy tips to cover some of the problems you’ve faced.”
Here are some pointers that will hopefully make things a little bit easier for you:
- We offer free caddy liners
A number of residents who responded to the survey indicated they were unaware that free caddy liners are available as part of the Wrexham service.
You can get our free caddy liners by simply tying an empty liner to your caddy handle on your collection day and the recycling crew will leave you a new roll.
Or, if you prefer, you can collect the free caddy liners (as well as replacement blue sacks) at a variety of locations in Wrexham, including a number of convenience stores, estate offices, libraries and recycling centres. Click here to see the extensive list.
https://www.wrecsam.gov.uk/service/beth-syn-mynd-ir-bincynwysyddion-ailgylchu/bagiau-cadi-bwyd-sachau-ailgylchu-am-ddim
- Don’t overfill your liner
A common problem seems to be caddy liners splitting, and one of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to make sure you don’t overfill them.
Another useful tip is to carry your food waste outside in your kitchen caddy once you’re ready to transfer it to the bigger kerbside caddy. This helps to prevent splitting and spillages.
- Order new caddies easily online
Some people told us how they’ve moved in to new properties that don’t have food caddies, so they haven’t been able to recycle food waste.
We offer free replacement caddies, so if your new home doesn’t have a kitchen or kerbside caddy, don’t sweat it – you just need to order a new one.
You can request a new food caddy easily on our website, where you can also order new recycling boxes if you need them.
https://myaccount.wrexham.gov.uk/en/service/New_and_replacement_bin_or_boxes
- You don’t have to use the Wrexham Council provided caddies
Several residents expressed how they don’t like the look of our grey kitchen caddy, but it’s not compulsory to use our version.
If you prefer you can buy your own caddy that fits in better with your colour scheme.
Or, you could always keep it under your kitchen sink and only bring it onto the counter when you are peeling vegetables etc. J
- New habits work
Something that became apparent, from what you’ve told us, is how starting new habits has helped you when recycling your leftovers.
For example, when emptying the kids lunchboxes at the end of the day try scraping any uneaten stale crusts straight into the caddy as part of your routine.
Whatever pattern you get into, new habits do seem to work!
- Try to stay on top of which foods can be recycled
We know there can be a lot to remember, but staying on top of what can go in your food caddy really helps us out.
Some of these things include:
- Fruit and veg – raw and cooked
- Meat and fish – raw and cooked
- Bones and egg shells
- Rice, pasta, cereal and noodles
- Bread, cakes, pastries and biscuits
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
- Cheese, eggs and yogurts
- Beans, nuts, pulses and seeds
- Uneaten food from your plate
Take a look at this for more info…
https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/service/what-goes-my-binsrecycling-containers
https://www.wrecsam.gov.uk/service/beth-syn-mynd-ir-bincynwysyddion-ailgylchu
- Stinky food caddies in the summer
Yep, we know in warmer months food caddies can sometimes get a bit whiffy, but there are some things you can do to help avoid this.
Try some of these things:
- Empty the liner more frequently in warmer weather
- Sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda in the bottom of the caddy
- Wipe up any drips straight away
- Keep the kitchen caddy out of direct sunlight
- Clean/disinfect the caddy regularly
- And very importantly, keep the lid closed
Thanks again to everyone who took part in the Food Waste Survey, it’s really appreciated.
For more info on recycling in Wrexham, please visit wrexham.gov.uk/recycling
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