Shipping disruption delays food waste collection

Shipping disruption in the Gulf has delayed the rollout of a new food waste collection service in Lincolnshire, a council has said.

The scheme had been due to begin in September but has now been pushed back to 19 October.

Boston Borough Council said the delivery of vehicle parts needed for its new recycling fleet had been "held up due to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz".

Councillor Callum Butler said postponing the service would allow time to ensure the fleet and collection arrangements were in place so it "can introduce the service as smoothly as possible".

The Strait of Hormuz waterway in the Middle East has been largely closed by Iran following US and Israeli strikes in February.

Shipping traffic through the strait remains severely restricted due to ongoing security risks and military tensions.

Boston Borough Council said residents would receive further information by post, including details of when households should begin using the food waste caddies.

"We know many residents are keen to get started with their new food waste service, and we are grateful for their patience while we complete the final preparations," said Butler.

Once the scheme is operational, food waste will be recycled into clean energy and fertiliser, according to the local authority.

Weekly food waste collections became a requirement for councils in England under new legislation introduced in March, but many councils missed the deadline.

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