A newly named vehicle hits Barnet’s streets on Monday as food waste collections resume reports Ellie Bennett

Two men crouching in hi vis jackets in front of a waste lorry — Cllr Alan Schneiderman and competition winner Alan Williams in front of Barnetta The Bincredible – (Credit – Barnet Council)

A newly named collection vehicle will hit the streets on Monday as Barnet Council reintroduces food waste collections.

‘Barnetta The Bincredible’ is the waste hero leading the council’s food waste efforts after being chosen from 472 entries, in a competition that urged residents to send in memorable and funny names.

The winner, Alan Williams, was presented with a £100 food voucher by cabinet member for environment Alan Schneiderman, in front of the now named food waste vehicle.

Cllr Schneiderman said: “Alan’s entry is witty, memorable and really captures the fun and purpose of our Doing Our Bit. It’s brilliant to see the community getting involved, engaging with Barnet’s sustainability and climate action initiatives, and helping the borough reach its Net Zero 2042 ambitions.”

The council says return of weekly food waste collections means less waste and a better eco footprint for the borough. It is also now required by legislation, with the government making household food waste collection mandatory by April 2026. With 60% of household waste in the UK being food, the new legislation could mean significant improvement to the environment.

As of Monday, 30th of March, every household in Barnet will be able to use their brown bins to recycle food waste, being asked to only use the brown bins for food waste and nothing else, including packaging, garden waste and liquids. They should be put out on the usual collection day.

Collected food waste will be processed at an anaerobic facility, turning it into fertiliser for farmland and electricity for homes. By separating food waste, residents help cut greenhouse gas emissions, keep bins cleaner, and make a real contribution to a greener Barnet and future generations.

Barnetta will be on the borough’s food waste collection routes from the 30th March onwards. Barnet is being urged to all do their bit and to dispose of food responsibly and safely.

For more information on the new food waste service, visit: www.barnet.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/food-waste

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