Oldham Council is encouraging residents to reduce food waste and recycle better, which could save an estimated £720 a year.

Planning meals, storing food correctly and using up leftovers are just some of the things people can do to make the most of food and make money go further. 

There are ideas and tips on the ‘Buy, Keep, Eat, Repeat’ section of Recycle for Greater Manchester’s webpage.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Money is really tight for many families at the minute due to the cost-of-living crisis.

“Fuel bills and food prices seem to be going up every day.

“It’s estimated every household throws away around £60 worth of food a month – that’s money that could come in very handy elsewhere.

“Just buying only what you need and planning meals, making sure fruit is stored properly and checking your fridge is at the right temperature could help out.”

Residents are being reminded that all food waste should go in the green bin or food caddy – not the grey one.

In 2021/22, the council collected 36,856 tonnes of grey bin rubbish.

The local authority estimates that 30 per cent or 11,057 tonnes of that was food waste – which could have been avoided through better food management, or at least recycled.

If food is recycled properly then it can be used to make compost, which can then be used to help grow even more food locally.

Councillor Stretton added: “If you put food waste in your grey bin rather than your green bin then you are helping drive up waste disposal costs.

“The council pays around £19m a year in disposal charges - ultimately it’s council tax payers’ who pick up the tab.

“We want to support residents so we can all recycle more and waste less.”

For anyone who is struggling financially, there is a helpline in place for anyone who may need support. Call 0161 770 7007 between 9am-5pm on weekdays, or for more information visit http://oldham.gov.uk/wecanhelp

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