In November 2021 Cambridge BID, in partnership with Envar and Countrystyle Recycling, introduced compostable waste collections for the city.
Three bins in the city centre
For public use (food scraps and compostable packaging)
Initially trialled for a 6-month period, to assess feedback, and now we have committed to the project longer term
Right now in Cambridge (like most cities) you have to throw compostable packaging in the general waste litter bin. This means it gets sent to landfill and will never actually become compost. Our “Mission: Compostable” project will divert this waste from landfill and create a ‘closed loop’ solution – waste will be collected from Cambridge, processed to create compost in St Ives, and sold to farmers in the surrounding areas.
What can go in bins?
Food waste, but it must be naked and unwrapped (e.g. banana peels, tea bags, unwanted food, or leftover scraps)
Certified compostable packaging (e.g. coffee cups, takeaway boxes and cutlery. Check for text on the packaging which should clearly state if it is compostable, or ask the retailer if you’re unsure)
Businesses and their customers will work together with us, to help this project achieve its potential.
Cambridge Retailers using compostables
Signorelli’s (Deli and La Piazza)
Cambridge Market Traders
(Please let us know if your business should be listed too!)
Bin locations
Free School Lane (outside Smokeworks)
King’s Parade (opposite Benet’s Cafê)
Quayside (near Scudamore’s punting station)
Why use compostables?
Some food retailers in Cambridge are already using compostable packaging (made of recycled and plant-based materials). Compostable products are less harmful to the planet than single-use plastics: it takes less energy to create them, the process generates fewer emissions and, when processed correctly, they will biodegrade into compost. It is important to note that entirely eliminating single-use products would be vastly kinder to the environment, but switching to compostables is a leap in the right direction.
Vegware is one of the best-known producers of compostable products (and partner of Countrystyle Recycling) and they are able to give advice on their product lines.
Please email Jenny.Granshaw@cambridgebid.co.uk if you are interested in making the switch, and would like more information.
