Just over a year ago I lauded the then Government for the long overdue changes it was bringing in, to simplify the way those of us in England recycle our waste. I felt that more than anything, rather than having individual boroughs decide their own policies - confusing for those who’ve moved home or are temporarily staying elsewhere if different rules are followed - making the procedures nationwide ones, was an excellent move. I also liked that the requirement to recycle would be extended to those who are currently exempt and that garden waste would be collected too. 

  

I’m pleased to see that much of what was planned appears to be being adopted by the current Government, although I do find the new statement of intent (see more in ‘This week’s news’) a little confusing. For example, any home composters amongst us will know that only certain food waste, i.e. vegetables and fruits and their peelings, along with tea, coffee and eggshells, should be included, and that any waste containing proteins such as meat and dairy, must be avoided unless we want our compost piles and bins invaded by rats and foxes. When it’s come to food waste collection, we’ve been advised in the past that any food apart from liquids can be put out for collection by our local councils. From the current Government’s statement though it appears to me that we could be heading for trouble: “Councils will now be collecting all types of food together with garden waste for composting food waste… There is no evidence that this would affect their ability to be recycled or composted, since the materials can always be processed through in-vessel composting when mixed.” As I’m unsure of what ‘in-vessel composting’ may achieve, I’m hopeful that my fears will be unfounded and the Government knows in this case, what it’s doing... 

  

Finally – and still on the subject of waste collection, recycling and composting, a friend sent me this link which I found both amusing and interesting. Bearing in mind the horrendous flooding many parts of the western world have had to endure recently, I sincerely hope this idea catches on. Our local pathways, roads and other outside areas will be kept safer and tidier and our drains won’t become as clogged and thus will be better equipped to cope with heavy rains and burst pipes. Plus there’s money to be earnt, for the enterprising (or local councils, who used to do this type of thing in the past). https://www.facebook.com/reel/550403657908504