Don't Send Food Waste To Landfill!

1.58.00pm GMT Tue 15th Dec 2009

Richard Burt has called on the Leader of Malvern Hills District Council to cut food waste going into landfill across the district.

He has asked Councillor Grove to consider a food waste collection scheme similar to the successful scheme introduced in Wychavon following pressure from Liberal Democrat councillors there.

"Government figures reveal that 8.3million tonnes of food and drink are thrown away by households in the UK each year, and that avoidable food waste worth £12billion, the equivalent of £480 per household per year, could be consumed," said Richard.

"These figures are absolutely staggering.

"Worcestershire residents should be encouraged to do all they can to cut down on food waste and councils have a roll to play in this. However, food waste from Malvern Hills District residents should go into a digester rather than be thrown into landfill.

"Government must also walk the walk on this issue. Ministers talk about cutting down on waste, but the funding to promote recycling through the Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP) was almost halved between 2005 and 2008.

"In 2008, the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs stated that domestic food waste was 6.7 tonnes. This year it has risen to 8.3 tonnes so clearly the reduced funding has affected the ability of WRAP to reduce food waste.

"Both Government and local councils must do more to cut down on the rising mountain of food waste."