Cornwall Council is urging more residents to recycle food waste after 36,000 tonnes were processed through an anaerobic digester over two years. The waste is converted into methane for electricity and fertiliser, offering an alternative to incineration and supporting the council’s aim to recycle 65% of waste by 2029.

The Holsworthy facility in Devon processes around 1,100 tonnes of food waste weekly and could generate enough electricity for 8,500 homes. Food makes up 22% of Cornwall’s black-bag waste, with 43% of that still packaged, while Cornwall’s overall recycling rate is currently just above 50%.