// Co-op urges authorities to promptly begin the roll-out of food waste collections from homes
// The grocer aims to stop 356,000 tonnes of food waste – in England alone – going to landfill
// Around 1000 tonnes of food waste a day end up in landfill
Co-op has urged English local authorities to promptly begin the roll-out of food waste collections from homes, in order to stop 356,000 tonnes of food waste – in England alone – going to landfill.
The grocer said around 1000 tonnes of food waste a day end up in landfill, when it could be composted or used to create energy and help cut greenhouse gases.
Co-op will be writing to 20 local authorities that do not collect food waste, calling for the introduction of universal food waste collections to be sped up.
At least 48 per cent of 169 English councils currently do not have a kerbside food waste collection, meaning that food waste in these areas is going to landfill, 12 per cent do not accept compostable bags.
“How we do business really matters. The world is experiencing a climate crisis and we need to work together to avoid it,” Co-op chief commercial officer Michael Fletcher said.
“Accelerating action is the only way to mitigate and reduce impacts on our natural world, and to ensure stable food supply chains in the future.
“We are committed in helping our members and customers to make environmentally friendly choices and reducing the environmental impact of products is and always has been at the core of Co-op.
“That’s why we are writing to local authorities to encourage universal kerbside food waste collections and acceptance of compostable bags, sooner than 2023.”
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