Buying liners for food waste bins can add up but there is a little-known alternative that could save money
People have been reminded what they can often put in a food waste bin – and it might include one surprising item. Under rules which came into force this year councils must provide separate food waste collections for every household.
However while some local authorities provide free replacement biodegradable bags to line the bins others say residents must provide their own after using up the first roll. This can cost around £1.80 for 20 leaving some people unhappy at the additional cost.
But one council has taken to Facebook to share a little-known fact about what you can use to line your food caddy – and it might just be not only money-saving but can reduce your other waste. In a video Darlington Council explained its rules telling its residents: “Did you know you can use any plastic bag, bin liner or even newspaper to line your food caddy?”
While people must check their own local authority as each can be different, many others do use similar sorting methods to Darlington which means they can also use unwanted plastic bags and even empty bread bags. These include Scottish Borders Council, Devon County Council, City of Lincoln Council and Sandwell Council.
City of Lincoln Council explained how the system works. It said: “At the processing plant, the first step is to remove the bags using a specialised machine, allowing you to use any bag as a liner.
“After they have been removed at the anaerobic digestion plant, the bags are sent to the Energy from Waste facility, where they’re used to generate energy. They would normally go there anyway in your black bin, but this way they’ve had a second life as a food waste liner first.
“Using a liner helps keep your caddy clean and makes it easier to empty, so a great option is to reuse plastic bags you already have at home.” It suggested using:
- Bread bags
- Frozen food bags
- Online shopping packaging
- Other small plastic bags from everyday items
The council added: “Once you start saving them, you might be surprised how many you still come across! There is also the option to line your caddy with newspaper or use no liner at all.”
It added: “If this is your preference, you may need to wash your caddy more regularly. With food waste no longer going in your normal kitchen bin, you might also find you use fewer bin liners overall.”
And Devon County Council said: “If you have a waste caddy, remember you can reuse any bag as a liner. Food waste collections are in place across most of Devon, and they are easier to use than ever.
“And those households with a food waste caddy don’t need to buy special compostable bags, they can just reuse any plastic or paper bag they’ve already got, such as an empty bread bag, salad bag, cereal bag or frozen vegetable bag.”
Environment boost
It said that despite the changes, food waste was still a big problem in Devon, with almost a third of waste in general household bins being made up of food. A study found that four-fifths (79%) of the food waste in Devon’s black bins could have been avoided, and a third (35%) was still in its packaging.
It explained how recycling food waste and plastic bags can help in several ways. It said: “All liners/bags are removed at the processing facility before the food waste is treated.
“They are then sent to an Energy from Waste facility where they are converted into energy. The food waste is processed to produce energy and a liquid fertiliser.”
However other local authorities, including Durham County Council, Stockport Council and Rochdale Council, have strict rules around only using biodegradable bags as they use a different processing method. Stockport Council said: “Do not use biodegradable plastic bags from supermarkets as they break down into little bits of plastic and are not compostable.”
What else can go in a food waste bin?
While again, individual councils can have different rules, so people must check with their local authority, most are similar. Redcar and Cleveland Council said: “You can include all food waste from your home, including leftovers from meals, food that has gone past its use-by date, and any other food waste from your kitchen.”
It listed the allowed items as:
- fruit – raw and cooked
- salad and vegetables – raw and cooked
- vegetable and fruit peelings – including banana skins, cherry stones etc
- tea bags (including the bag) and coffee grounds
- bread, cakes and other baked goods
- pasta, rice, beans and pulses
- meat – raw and cooked, bones
- fish/shellfish – raw and cooked, including bones and shells
- eggs and egg products (including eggshells)
- dairy products (including cheese and yogurts)
- tinned and dry pet food
- small amounts of gravy, sauces or custard left on food
- any meal or take-away leftovers
It said the following was not allowed:
- liquids such as milk and oils
- packaging
- cardboard
- foil
- plastic film or plastic bags
- glass
- other recycling
- garden waste
