At present, we are not allowed to collect any kitchen waste from the green wheelie bins. This includes fruit and vegetable peelings. Why not?
After the foot and mouth disease outbreak in 2001, laws were introduced stating that any kitchen waste must be disposed of in a way that prevents it coming into contact with livestock and birds.
Collections from green wheelie bins are taken to an open air composting facility. Once the material has broken down to become compost, it is taken to be spread on local farms.
If kitchen waste has been in contact with any animal produce, this could then contaminate farmland leading to diseases such as foot and mouth disease. Kitchen waste might come into contact with animal produce if vegetables are chopped on the same board as meat or if animals get into the composting site.
In-vessel composting plant
We are currently planning an in-vessel composting plant. This would be a large shed which would protect the composting materials from birds and livestock and would generate temperatures high enough to kill off any diseases. Once this is in place, we will be able to collect compostable kitchen waste from your green wheelie bins. We will let you know when this is going to happen.
Composting at home
In the meantime, you can compost fruit and vegetable peelings at home – they are safe to use on your garden. But remember - don't compost meat or cooked foods, as these can attract vermin.