Council advises against using new food bins for now

The East Cambridgeshire District Council has begun distributing new food waste caddies and black bins to residents. However

East Cambridgeshire District Council has initiated the distribution of new food waste caddies and accompanying black bins across the district. However, residents are being advised not to use these containers until the official start of the updated food waste collection program.

Postponed Launch of Food Waste Collection

The council did not meet the government’s mandated deadline of 31 March for introducing separate food waste collections. The revised launch date is now set for 1 June. Although residents will receive new food caddies as part of the program, collections cannot commence immediately because the specialized vehicles required for the service will only become available in approximately two months.

Distribution of Caddies and Black Bins

This week, around 45,000 food caddies are being delivered to households across East Cambridgeshire. In addition to the caddies, new black bins are also being supplied. The council has stressed that these bins must not be used prior to the official rollout, warning that any early use will result in the bins not being emptied.

Reason for Delay

The council indicated that the postponement was intentional. The weeks following 30 March contain several bank holidays, which would have complicated an initial rollout. Launching the service in June allows for a smoother transition and avoids disruption caused by multiple holiday weeks. A council statement explained, "Had the changes been brought in on 30 March, residents would also have had to navigate four Bank Holidays within the first five weeks, with further changes in their collection day. On that basis, we decided to bring in the new service from 1 June."

Changes to Collection Schedule

• Food caddies will be collected on a weekly basis.
• General household waste will be collected every two weeks.
• Some households may experience a change in collection day; new schedules will be included inside the bins delivered.

The council also advised residents not to place food caddy liners in the existing green bins, noting, "We won't be able to empty your bin if you do."

Expanded Recycling Options

The range of items acceptable in blue recycling bins is being expanded. Residents can now include soft plastics such as carrier bags and plastic food wrapping in these bins.

Storage of Undelivered Bins

Bins that have not yet been delivered are currently stored in a car park near Littleport Railway Station. A portion of the car park has been closed to accommodate the storage of these bins since last month.

Context and Implications

East Cambridgeshire is among 79 councils in England that did not meet the government deadline for implementing separate food waste collections. This initiative is in line with a government directive requiring all councils to collect food waste separately. At present, residents rely on weekly black sack collections for general waste. The phased approach aims to minimize disruption while expanding recycling options within the district.

Residents are encouraged to monitor official council updates for comprehensive guidance on the commencement of the service and proper usage of the new bins.

Sources:

• East Cambridgeshire District Council advises delay in food bin use
• Food waste collection service in East Cambridgeshire delayed
• East Cambridgeshire postpones new food waste bins rollout
• Do not use new food bins yet, says council