RESIDENTS in Hawick and Jedburgh will this month be able to get more information on the food waste collection service being introduced to both towns.

Four roadshow dates will be held, with members of Scottish Borders Council’s (SBC) recycling team on hand to explain how it works and answer any queries.

Weekly food waste collections have already been introduced to Galashiels, Peebles, Selkirk and Tweedbank.

A total of 24,000 homes across the region will get the new service this year, as required by the Scottish Government.

The roadshow dates are: Tuesday 18 August, 3.30pm to 6.30pm - Parkside Primary School, Jedburgh Wednesday 19 August, 5pm to 7pm - Morrisons Supermarket, Hawick Saturday 22 August, 10am to 12noon - Heart of Hawick Saturday 22 August, 2pm to 4pm - Royal British Legion, Jedburgh Householders in Hawick and Jedburgh who receive this new collection service will get: · Two caddies, one for indoors and one for outdoors (outdoor caddy collected weekly) · A free supply of biodegradable liners · A full guide to the new service, before collections begin.

People living in some flats will use a large, outdoor communal food waste bin for their full liners of food waste from their indoor caddy.

The introduction of food waste collections forms part of the Scottish Government’s plan to divert as much waste as possible from landfill, to increase recycling and use food waste as a valuable resource such as agricultural fertilisers.

The new food waste service will be able to be used for all cooked and uncooked food waste including pet food, egg shells and even bones, helping members of the public recycle even more from their household.

Councillor David Paterson, SBC’s Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: “The Council had a good response to the roadshow dates held for phase one of the new service and we hope for the same again with the dates for phase two.

“These roadshow dates will provide members of the public the chance to ask questions and hear how easy it is to use.” Andy Dick, Local Authority Manager, Zero Waste Scotland said: “Zero Waste Scotland is pleased to support the introduction of a food waste collection service for Borders residents, and to join with Scottish Borders Council to announce the four new roadshow dates.

“This roadshow is a great way of engaging with the public and answering questions about the new services, which will help cut the amount of food going needlessly to landfill.” All households will have information sent directly to their homes this month about the new service.

The Council has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions webpage at www.scotborders.gov.uk/foodwastefaqs for anyone seeking further information.