Scheme to rid sewer pipes of fats

It is hoped the recycling scheme will reduce pollution caused by fats

A scheme to recycle fats, oil and grease involving Northamptonshire councils and Anglian Water has begun.

The seven local authorities have teamed up with Anglian Water and Agri-Energy Food Services to collect the waste from businesses free of charge.

The fats, oil and grease from restaurants, takeaways, pubs and hotels will then be converted into biodiesel.

It is hoped the scheme will reduce pollution, prevent clogging of pipes with fats and protect wildlife.

Collette Nicholls of Anglian Water said: "If similar 'joined-up' schemes were set up around the country we could eradicate the threat this modern phenomenon - fats, oils and grease in cooking has trebled since the 1960s - poses to the community.

"It is taking up 10% of the public sewer with 10,000 tonnes of fat in our region alone, enough to fill four Olympic-sized swimming pools, which if converted would make enough biodiesel to fuel 8,000 family cars for a year."