Commitment to reinstate food waste collections next year

Cllr Brian Long, Leader of the Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk: "It was regrettable that we had to suspend our food waste collections as we appreciate that those people who use the service love it, as do we. It reduces the amount of waste going to landfill and is turned into genuinely green electricity and a nutrient rich liquid fertiliser so is much better for the environment. 

"The guidance on Covid made it impossible for us to continue with the collection, as we had to ensure that our contractor's staff's health and wellbeing was being looked after.  A reduction in the number of people in each vehicle meant there wasn't time for the food collection to take place, without impacting on the black and green bin collections.  It just wasn't an option, and still isn't while the government guidance remains unchanged.

"We do have, however, an opportunity to look at the detailed arrangements for the provision of the service through our new contractor, who will take over in April.  Rest assured that we are exploring all possible options with the new contractor and are committed to reinstating the food waste collection in April, when the new contract starts.

Residents are being urged to hang on to the small and large food caddies, keeping them safe for the return of the food waste collection service next year.  Food waste should be bagged and put in the black bin, until the food waste service is reinstated.

Cllr Long, added: "I want to thank everyone who has been so understanding during the Covid-19 response and recovery stage.  It really is much appreciated.  We committed significant additional resource to collect all household bins during the period and, apart from a week, everyone who has one, has had their brown bin emptied too. Under the circumstances this is pretty impressive, so thanks also to the staff who have kept the service running - as key workers, they were often the unsung heroes."