Council expands food waste service to residents in flats

This expansion supports new national recycling requirements and reflects the council’s ongoing commitment to tackle climate change and increase recycling rates across the borough.

The council has provided new kitchen caddies and communal bins, along with an easy-to-follow guide, to residents living in some flats and maisonettes. Recycling food waste at home helps reduce waste, cut carbon emissions, and support a cleaner, greener environment.

The collected food waste is taken to a local anaerobic digestion facility, where it is placed in sealed tanks and broken down by natural bacteria, producing biogas. This biogas is captured and used as renewable energy to generate electricity, heat, or even fuel vehicles. The leftover material, called digestate, is nutrient-rich and used as fertiliser on farms.

Councillor Sandreni Bonfante, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Environment, said:

“Food waste recycling has been a long established and successful part of life for a lot of  residents already living in Welwyn Hatfield and I am delighted we are able to expand the service to residents living in some flats and maisonettes. We already recycle just over 2,000 tonnes of food waste every year. From tea bags, vegetable peelings or uneaten leftovers, these small, everyday habits really add up. We are making it easier for more residents to recycle and do their bit for the environment. Together, these simple changes can make a big difference.”