RECYCLED food waste has increased by 21 tonnes since the council’s new collection service was put in place.

Colchester Council has revealed that from June 19 food waste has increased by 37 per cent compared to the same week in 2016.

The new service has seen all non-recyclable rubbish, collected from three black bags, switch from a weekly to a two-weekly cycle – with food waste collections remaining weekly.

Jessica Scott-Boutell (Lib Dem), councillor responsible for waste, said: “I would like to thank the people of Colchester for their continued support whilst we introduce the new collection service and hope this figure reassures them their efforts to recycle more and reduce waste going to landfill are worth it.

“This figure is great news because it shows more households have been using their weekly food waste collection.”

The council said with food waste removed from rubbish bags and collected weekly, this means residents will have less to put in black bag for their waste collection.

Council leader Paul Smith (Lib Dem) said: “I’m pleased the majority of households have got to grips with the new collection service very quickly.

“We’re on track to get the results that we set out to achieve, to increase the amount we recycle in Colches- ter and reduce the amount of non-recyclable rubbish that is sent to landfill.”

Residents without a food caddy can pick up a free one from a stockist. To find out more visit the recycling section of the council’s website www.colchester.gov.uk