A new weekly kerbside collection for food waste only will be introduced to about 1,000 households in the Mallusk area of Newtownabbey this September. The 12-month trial covers homes in the Blackrock, Aylesbury and Dermont estates.

Participants will receive a 23-litre lockable outdoor caddy, a kitchen caddy and compostable liners. The separate food waste will be collected alongside the existing wheelie box service.

The initiative is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) as part of a harmonisation project that previously saw triple stack bins delivered to parts of Antrim. The council aims to compare the volume of food waste collected separately against the current practice of mixing it with garden waste in brown bins.

Michael Laverty, director of environmental services and sustainability, told a council committee on Monday that about 30 per cent of waste in black bins is food. The department, he said, is keen to divert organic material away from general refuse.

During the meeting at Antrim Civic Centre, elected members raised several points. Councillor Mark Cooper expressed regret that the trial would not cover a broader mix of housing types. Councillor Andrew McAuley questioned where an extra bin would be stored and voiced concern that strong winds might knock it over.

Alderman Paula Bradley asked whether residents could continue placing food waste in brown bins if the new container became full. Mr Laverty confirmed they would be able to do so.

A resident survey will be used to gather feedback, and collection rates will be monitored ahead of any decision to extend the service across the borough.

Last December the council moved to provide only two free rolls of caddy liners per household each year, instead of making them available on demand. The change was designed to cut costs by an estimated £70,000.