New Food Waste, Rubbish & Recycling Service in Mid Cornwall

Mid Cornwall Embarks on a Sustainable Journey with New Food Waste, Recycling, and Rubbish Service

Mid Cornwall residents have embarked on a greener and more sustainable journey as the area launches a pioneering new food waste, recycling, and rubbish service this week. In a significant step towards environmental responsibility, Cornwall Council has introduced a comprehensive waste management program, aimed at drastically reducing waste and bolstering recycling efforts.

The innovative service includes weekly food waste collections, a change from the previous system, and a shift to fortnightly rubbish collections. This phased rollout, spanning over the next two years, will gradually encompass the entire Cornwall region. 

The first phase, starting today, impacts residents in Mid Cornwall, an area comprising Newquay, St Columb, St Austell, the China Clay area, Grampound, Gorran Haven, Mevagissey, Par, St Blazey, Fowey, Lostwithiel, and their surrounding areas. 

Residents in this rollout zone have been equipped with new food waste caddies and either rubbish bins or protective sacks, ensuring they are fully prepared for this transformative service change. The initiative is not just about waste collection but also about fostering a culture of recycling and sustainable living.

Key features of the new waste service in Mid Cornwall include:

• Weekly collections of food waste.
• Fortnightly collections of rubbish, either in a wheelie bin or a protective sack.
• Fortnightly recycling collections using the existing recycling bags and box.
• New collection days for most residents.
• Changes in recycling collection weeks for some residents.

Over the next two years, households across Cornwall will receive a silver kitchen caddy for easy separation of food waste, a green outdoor collection caddy, and either a wheelie bin or a reusable protective sack for rubbish.

Councillor Carol Mould, Cornwall’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, emphasised the importance of this initiative: “Our new food waste, recycling, and rubbish service is a crucial step towards helping residents increase recycling and reduce waste, including the recycling of food waste for the first time. This is a vital part of our commitment to lowering our carbon footprint and minimising our impact on the planet, contributing to a thriving, sustainable Cornwall.”

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about their waste collection schedules by checking their collection calendars or visiting www.cornwall.gov.uk/myarea. Additional resources and tips on recycling food waste are available at www.cornwall.gov.uk/foodrecycling, along with a dedicated portal for queries related to waste management at www.cornwall.gov.uk/wastechanges.

As Mid Cornwall takes the lead in this environmental initiative, residents of south east Cornwall can anticipate receiving their new bins later this month, with their collection changes set to commence in April. 

Meanwhile, the rest of Cornwall will continue with the current rubbish and recycling service until they are notified about the commencement of the new system in their area.

This comprehensive waste management overhaul in Cornwall marks a significant stride towards environmental stewardship, encouraging communities to actively participate in creating a sustainable future. As the program rolls out, the council remains committed to providing support and guidance to ensure a smooth transition for all residents.