Learn about food waste

Several exhibitions and talks will take place in libraries across Cork as part of a campaign encouraging people to recycle more of their food waste.

Now in its 2nd year and taking place from 5-11 June, National Food Waste Recycling Week which is managed by MyWaste.ie will provide practical advice, with easy-to-follow hints and tips to encourage everyone to recycle more of their food waste.

As part of the campaign, Cork County Council will host exhibitions and talks in council libraries in Mallow and Fermoy on Tuesday 6 June, in Youghal and Cobh on Wednesday 7 June and in Bandon and Skibbereen on Thursday 8 June.

To assist people in separating their food waste, a supply of food waste caddies, each with a starter pack of caddy liners and an information leaflet will also be available to the public at all libraries and mobile libraries across the county throughout the week-long campaign subject to availability.

The EPA estimates that food waste costs the average Irish household about €60 per month or €700 per year. That’s an annual national cost of €1.29 billion.

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Danny Collins encouraged everyone to make a change this Food Waste Recycling Week: “We must each take responsibility for reducing our food waste. By participating in food waste recycling, we not only reduce our environmental impact but also pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come. Let’s embrace this opportunity to make a positive difference. By making small changes in our daily lives, we can make a significant impact in preserving the beauty of our county and creating a greener, more sustainable future.”

This year’s campaign aims to ensure people understand that food waste needs to be fully separated from all packaging such as plastic or other containers. Doing so will prevent contamination at compost and anaerobic digestion facilities, leading to higher quality recycling.

The overall aim of the campaign is to generate awareness of the role of food waste recycling in diverting this valuable resource from landfill and allowing it to be transformed into renewable energy and fertilisers for horticulture and agriculture use in Ireland.

This will have a lasting impact as it will create green jobs now and into the future.

The campaign is being managed by Ireland’s three regional waste management planning offices and funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

Properly recycled food waste can be used to produce energy through anaerobic digestion and to produce clean, organic fertiliser.

Minister Ossian Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and the Circular Economy, said: “Did you know that you can save money and cut carbon at the same time, just by sorting your food waste? During this year’s National Food Waste Recycling Week, we’re going to show businesses and households how to easily cut food waste.

It’s more money in your pocket but it’s also a source of clean energy and climate-friendly fertiliser.”