Good News for Food Waste Collections in Northumberland?
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that it has secured part of a £295 million fund to support local authorities in implementing separate food waste collections. This could mean funding is on the way for Northumberland County Council.
Defra states that the £295 million will be allocated to cover the costs of transitioning to food waste collections, including capital expenses like bins and vehicles, resource costs to set up new services, and ongoing operating costs. Some of this funding has already been secured, with further amounts to be bid for in future spending rounds.
While the exact formula for distributing the money to councils has not been finalised, Defra says it will provide more information after publishing the government response on consistency in recycling collections. Funding will be distributed through section 31 grants.
This announcement suggests that Northumberland County Council may be able to access a portion of this £295 million fund to assist with launching a separate food waste collection service in the county. With the council currently reviewing its waste services, this extra support could be crucial in implementing food waste collections in a sustainable manner.
There are wider environmental benefits too. Diverting food waste from landfill reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps combat climate change. Sending food waste to anaerobic digestion also produces renewable energy.
The message from Defra is that they are now focused on delivery of waste reforms. They encourage local authorities to collaborate closely with them and others in the waste sector to ensure successful outcomes. We will provide further updates here when more details emerge about the food waste funding allocation.
