Merton Council has given the go-ahead to roll out its food waste collections across the whole borough this year.

The remaining 32,650 households, including flats, in Merton will now be able to take advantage of the service, with funds obtained from a successful bid to the London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB) that resulted in securing funding of up to £292,770.

Currently the council collects food waste from 50,000 properties across Merton, following a successful pilot launched in 2009. After positive feedback from residents benefiting from the collection, the council is to push forward with increasing the provision of this service to the rest of the borough.

32,650 households’ worth of food waste will add an estimated 1,800 tonnes towards exceeding Merton’s target of achieving over 40% recycling and composting for 2012/13.

By extending the food waste collection services, Merton is also set to reduce its landfill tax burden by over £100,000.

Merton Council cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, Councillor Andrew Judge, said: ‘The positive feedback from households who already use the food waste collection service demonstrates that our high quality service helps households reduce their landfill waste.

‘Composting food waste means we’re reducing the amount that would otherwise be sent to landfill, making significant savings and good use of a valuable product at the same time. The service will also lead to cleaner streets by reducing the amount of black refuse bags put out for collection.’

Notes to editors:
For more information on Merton’s food waste policy, please visit this link: http://www.merton.gov.uk/foodwaste.htm

Photos available on request.