Why recycle your food waste?

Each year the residents of Richmond upon Thames produce enough waste to more than fill Twickenham Rugby Stadium. Organic (food and garden) waste makes up 38% of the total, which could be recycled and composted to help maintain a clean and green environment.

Recycling food waste is as important as recycling other household rubbish such as glass, cans and paper. When organic waste is deposited in landfill it biodegrades and has serious environmental consequences. For example:

• Methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, is released into the atmosphere, which significantly contributes to global warming.
• A liquid leachate is also produced that can pollute groundwater and water courses, damaging the plants and animals that live there.

Disposing of waste via landfill is unsustainable and space is running out.

By separating your food waste and not putting it in your normal rubbish sacks, you will reduce the amount going to landfill. It will also help to stop animals tearing open your black sacks.