'New' collections in waste scheme

Waste collections could be rolled out to other areas in Shropshire following the success of a recycling scheme.

More than 500 tonnes of food waste has passed through a biodigester in Ludlow since weekly kerbside collections were introduced a year ago.

The waste is broken down and turned into biofertiliser with excess gas being used to generate electricity.

South Shropshire District Council said collections could now start in Craven Arms and Church Stretton.

Councillor Nick Barclay said residents are now more aware of how much food they are throwing away.

'Green' electricity

Under the scheme, waste from blue wheelie bins is shredded and turned into a "soup" before being fed to the digester where bacteria then breaks it down.

Heat and gas is produced during the process and the gas is burnt to power generators to create "green" electricity.

The remaining peat-like product is used to spread on nearby farms, a council spokesman said.

The gas is also used to power the electric vehicle that collects the waste from outside homes.