Introducing Food Free February!

This month, the Norfolk Wave will focus on a month of food-free rubbish! The recycling rates at The Norfolk Wave Recycling Centre are directly related to the levels of food contamination that occur in community waste streams. By sharing tips, tricks, and the benefits of removing food waste from your packaging waste streams, we aim to increase our recycling rates and streamline the process for anyone who wants extra guidance.

When salan bring food and scraps into the centre, they empty them into the green organics tubs. The sink outside the centre allows easy washing of your scrap buckets and bins.

Our team then checks that there are no plastic or other non-compostable materials in the green tubs before they are emptied into a wheelie bin. Once the wheelie bins are full, they are forklifted downstairs, weighed, and then NIRC staff transport them to the Hot-Rot composter. The composters are loaded with a combination of food waste and green waste ensuring there is the right balance of nitrogen and carbon materials.

After 28 days in the Hot-Rot, during which time the materials are broken down and sterilised due to the high temperatures, the end product is an early-stage compost. This compost is then screened of large debris and left to mature in bays for additional weeks before being made available to the community for purchase.

Compost is an amazing garden amendment that helps to enrich the soil, retain moisture, and grow beautiful vegetables!

Follow along this month on Instagram, Facebook, and here in the paper for Food Free Feb tips!

The Norfolk Wave team