With the new Simpler Recycling legislation now in force, CWR recently welcomed a group of colleagues from Birmingham City Council who were keen to learn more about our established kerbside food waste service. Having delivered the service in its current iteration since 2022, we were able to share valuable insight into both planning and operations.
Six representatives from Birmingham spent the day with us exploring every aspect of the service. Their visit included discussions on operating procedures, health and safety, household participation rates and round capabilities, along with time spent on the ground observing our crews in action.
The group also drew on our experience of reviewing and refining processes, including how we identified and addressed operational challenges to ensure the smooth and consistent running of our food waste collection service.
The visit concluded with a tour of our materials recycling facility at Leslie Road, providing a fuller picture of weights, tipping and transfer processes, and the handling of food waste.
Jody Sherratt, Operations Director at Cheshire West Recycling has said: “Welcoming Birmingham colleagues gave us the chance to share how our modern, data-driven approach underpins the success of food waste collections at CWR. By openly discussing what works and where we’ve refined our service, we can help others build reliable, effective recycling systems that deliver for residents.”
This exchange gave Birmingham City Council a practical overview as they prepare to introduce food waste collections for residents. For CWR, it has been an opportunity to share expertise, build stronger relationships with other local authorities and support the development of more consistent recycling and waste services nationwide.
