A trial of new household food waste bins is starting in Hartlepool ahead of being rolled out across the town.

Around 1,000 homes in the Rossmere ward are being provided with the new “caddies” bins solely for food waste in an effort to improve recycling rates.

Homes in 49 streets in the ward are included in the Hartlepool Borough Council trial.

Weekly food waste collections in the trial area begin on Tuesday, November 25, and are set to be rolled out across the borough in the coming months.

Homes in Rossmere ward are to be issued with new caddie bins for food waste as part of a trial scheme.

placeholder image — Homes in Rossmere ward are to be issued with new caddie bins for food waste as part of a trial scheme.

It follows a change in the law which says all councils in England must collect food waste from homes on a weekly basis from next April.

The trial involves homes receiving two bins: a smaller one for use in the home and a larger one for outside into which the contents of the smaller caddy should be emptied.

Councillor Owen Riddle, chair of the neighbourhoods and regulatory services committee, said on the council’s website: “As a council, we are always looking at ways of increasing local recycling levels as part of our commitment to a sustainable future.

"So we would appeal to residents to support this initiative.

"We are pleased to be able to offer a weekly collection for food waste which is often attributed to making existing bin provision smell.

“Following the initial trial, the service will be rolled out across the borough and we will be providing more information about timings in due course.”

The council stressed funding for new bins and collection vehicles has been provided by central government and the initiative comes at no cost to residents.

For more details see www.hartlepool.gov.uk/waste-recycling/food-waste-collections