Lichfield residents are receiving 160,000 food waste caddies as part of a major recycling rollout starting today. The delivery scheme covers 80,000 households across Lichfield and Tamworth, with the five-week distribution programme bringing the new service directly to front doors.
From 20 July, weekly food waste collections will begin on residents' regular bin day. The separate collection service means food scraps no longer need to go into standard waste bins. Instead, the collected waste will be processed through anaerobic digestion, which converts food scraps into renewable energy and fertiliser for farms.
The new Lichfield food waste scheme is part of government legislation requiring councils to offer separate food waste recycling. Councillor Phil Whitehouse explained the environmental benefits: "Food waste no longer has to go in your normal waste bin. By collecting it separately, we can turn everyday food scraps into renewable energy rather than sending them to the energy from waste plant."
Residents should expect their caddy and information pack to arrive in the post over the coming weeks. Separate arrangements for flats and apartments in Lichfield are planned for late June. If households don't receive their caddy after the five-week rollout ends, residents are advised to check the council website before contacting the council.