Food waste recycling hits 3,500 tonnes in six months

Householders have recycled more than 3,500 tonnes of food waste in six months, a council has said.

The effort across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) has resulted in 1,420 more tonnes of food waste being recycled than during the same period last year, says BCP Council.

The authority said the amount recycled is the equivalent weight of about 300 double-decker buses.

It follows the council's expansion of weekly food waste collections in April 2026 to all Poole households and flats in Bournemouth.

The collected food waste is taken to a new specialist facility, where it is recycled to produce renewable energy and a nutrient-rich soil improver for agriculture.

The council said during the first six months, the facility was able to generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 3,900 homes for a year.

It said the increase in food waste recycling has resulted in a "large reduction" in the amount of general rubbish being collected across the BCP area.

Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder with responsibility for the environment said it is a "remarkable achievement".

"By simply separating their food waste, residents are helping to reduce the amount of general rubbish collected across the area," he said.

"The food waste also is being put to good use generating renewable energy and nutrients for farm fields in place of fertiliser - showing what we can achieve when everyone gets involved.

"We know there have been collection issues in some areas, and extra challenges caused by the very hot summer, and we're sorry for the frustration caused.

"We've added an extra vehicle and more staff, adjusted routes and changed where the lorries are emptied so they can return to collections more quickly."

He said residents who would like to join the service can put their food waste bin out where it can clearly be seen on their usual collection day.