RESIDENTS have stopped more than 57 tonnes of food waste going into landfill as part of a new recycling scheme – and that’s just the start.

Last night, Cherwell District Council said the collection of non-recyclable waste in the district had dropped dramatically since the launch of the scheme on October 20.

So far nearly 11,000 homes in villages in the north of the district, including Hook Norton and Deddington, are able to recycle their food waste.

A further 47,000 are due to join the scheme in coming months, including households in Kidlington, Bicester and Banbury.

At the moment about 12,000 tonnes of food waste goes to landfill each year in Cherwell.

George Reynolds, executive member for environment, recreation and health, said: “It’s no surprise residents have welcomed the scheme.

“When those who live in Banbury and Bicester join the scheme next year, we know they will be just as enthusiastic.

“Cherwell has one of the best recycling records in the South-East and we’d like to thank everyone for their efforts so far.”

On Monday, the Oxford Mail revealed Oxford City Council was launching a similar scheme in the city, starting in Blackbird Leys, Rose Hill, Risinghurst and Botley on Monday, December 7.

As the scheme rolls out, householders will get a kitchen caddy – a small bin – to collect cooked or uncooked food waste.

Food can then be transferred to the brown bin – used for garden waste – for fortnightly collection.

Oxfordshire Waste Partnership spokesman Wayne Lewis said: “It’s good to hear that the new food waste collections have been well received.

“Composting food waste is a much better option than landfill.

“Cherwell residents are helping to protect the environment and reduce costs.”

This week a kitchen caddy will be delivered to homes in Kidlington.

Mr Reynolds added: “As soon as they have their kitchen caddies delivered we are urging people to switch their food waste from the green bin into the brown bin.

“The more food waste we can send for composting, the less we shall have to pay in hefty landfill fines – good news for the environment and your pocket.”

As well as a caddy, households will get a free roll of compostable liners. The liners are available from several High Street stores.

For more information about the scheme visit cherwell.gov.uk/foodwaste, or email customer.service@ cherwell-dc.gov.uk or call 01295 221940.