Food waste is a major driver of climate change, contributing to 8% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Starting this January, Newcastle University will be introducing food waste bins in every university-owned accommodation kitchen. Look out for a small green caddy in your kitchen, along with a roll of bin bags to get you started. Here’s everything you need to know…
Image: The new food waste caddies. The left bin has a capacity of 7.5 litres, while the right bin holds 5 litres.
What Can Go in the Food Waste Caddy?
You can put almost any type of food waste into the bin, whether it’s cooked or raw. Here are some examples:
- Grains, pulses, and vegetables
- Meats, pastries, and eggs
- Bones and small teabags
What Should Stay Out?
There are a few items that should never go in the caddy:
- Packaging of any kind (even if it’s food-stained or says its biodegradable)
- Tinfoil or glass
- Liquids (these can make a mess!)
Using the Bin Liners
We’ll provide you with bin liners for your food caddy, which are removed during processing. If you run out of liners, please ask at your reception for a refill.
Taking Out Your Food Waste
When your caddy is full, follow these steps:
- Tie the bag tightly to prevent spills.
- Head to your accommodation’s rubbish site.
- Look for the red wheelie bin marked “FOOD WASTE” near the recycling stations and place your bag inside
Where Does Your Food Waste Go?
Once collected, your food waste is transported by our waste contractor, Biffa, to GAP Organics in Gateshead. There, it’s transformed through an anaerobic digestion (AD) process into fertiliser and green energy, contributing to a more sustainable planet.
Image: The different CO2 impacts of food waste disposal via landfill, composting and anaerobic digestion. Source: Biffa.
This is the life cycle of your food waste! Keep an eye out for your new green caddies and remember to follow the guidelines. Let’s work together to reduce waste and make a positive environmental impact.
If you have any questions about the caddies, or waste, check out our Waste A-Z or contact us at sustainable-campus@newcastle.ac.uk.
Happy New Year!