Wasted fruit veg UN

Donations to food banks could be made easier by using spare capacity on delivery vans, as well as through making regular kerb-side collections by refuse lorries.

That's the view of a leading British waste management and recycling company which claims that the vast majority of people don't give to food banks because they find it inconvenient.

According to Business Waste, over two-thirds of households would consider giving food to the needy if it were collected either from their home, or from a secure central point on a regular basis.

Mark Hall, of Business Waste, said: 'The sad truth is that many people don't even leave food at supermarket deposit points because they're located after the till, and most customers are more focused on getting home at that point,' he says. 'Home collections are the way ahead, and local councils should get on board.'

Business Waste has also suggested regular weekly or fortnightly pick-ups from front-door steps as part of regular recycling collections.

'It's a no-brainer,' Hall said. 'Double up a fortnightly card, tin and glass recycling route with a food bank collection team, and the donations will roll in.'

While there are obvious resource and cost implications to such a scheme at a time when local authorities are dealing with tighter budgets, Hall believes that should not be a red line.

'It's something that combines communities, businesses, charities and local groups, bringing everybody together for a common good. Sponsorship would help offset the cost, meaning that council budgets would be protected.'