Worthing and Adur residents have their say on food waste bins - a 'great idea' or a 'fox fest'?
Worthing and Adur residents have shared their views on the new food waste collections.
More than 305.9 tonnes of food waste has been collected since the service began in September, according to Adur & Worthing Councils.
A council spokesperson said: “There are lots of benefits to taking part in the new service, including helping us to do our bit for the environment by recycling food waste into renewable energy and fertiliser used by local farmers.”
Some residents have praised the scheme, with Emma Simmons describing it as a ‘great idea’.
Sara Bazlinton added: “On the whole it’s positive. I like the fact the food waste is taken weekly, and it means my main bin doesn’t smell any more.”
However, others have reported problems with smells, fruit flies and ‘flimsy’ lids being ineffective at keeping wildlife out.
Resident James Macauley predicted a ‘fox fest’, while Jo Valentine said ‘the maggots and flies are getting too much for me to want to use it’.
She added: “I am trying to stick with it though. Oh, and the foxes seem to be able to open the lids!”
Keith Holden joked: “Just what I always wanted, a fruit fly farm in my kitchen!”
But Angela Moulding said: “[I] don’t understand all the drama to be honest. All going well here, no issues with flies, or foxes. Been collected on the right day every time so far and makes you more aware of what you’re throwing away. I’m all for it.”
Sarah Maskell added: "If it's good for the environment, we should do it."
Ann Barlow said the ‘real test will be in the hot summer months’.
Meanwhile, some residents have found alternative uses for the bins, including Jeremy Woolgar who is using the indoor caddy for tool storage, and Wendy Taylor whose bin is acting as a wine cooler.
Anyone with a broken caddy has been asked to report it via email at: [email protected].
A council spokesperson said: “We are aware that some residents have had issues with the lids on their new bins not closing properly and are sorry for the inconvenience this has caused. We are liaising with the supplier to understand the cause of the problem and will replace the broken caddies as soon as we are able to.”
Answers to frequently asked questions can be found in the instruction leaflet supplied with the bins, or on the council’s website: www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/food-waste/#about-the-collections.