Echo Comment: weekly food waste is a step in right direction

However, despite all the downsides and the inconvenience, this has to be a step in the right direction.

The government is trying to standardise the recycling services that local authorities offer, and it is maddening and incomprehensible that we currently have a postcode lottery for bin collections. The new moves, which are rolling out in Durham and Stockton as well, will make all areas the same.

England’s recycling rate peaked at about 44 per cent of waste 10 years ago and has been slowly, and slightly, going down, so it is hoped that this will move that figure upwards. We can’t keep filling our beautiful countryside up with dumps – it is not fair on future generations.

There are sound environmental reasons for the change because as food waste decays in landfill it produces methane, which is a massively damaging gas. However, the recycling process will allow that gas to be collected and used positively, perhaps even to generate electricity.

There are sound financial reasons for the change, too. Most households don’t realise how much food they actually waste. They just toss out the stuff at the bottom of the fridge when it’s turned to mush, but having a worktop caddy nagging in the kitchen will make them more aware and might help them save a few welcome pounds.

It is going to take time getting used to the initial faffing about, but most rational people will see why it is necessary. In fact, the good people of North Yorkshire should start putting pressure on their council to introduce the service before 2043, as is currently planned.