Elaine Blackburne

Residents may be able to avoid buying replacement compostable food-caddy liners by reusing ordinary plastic bags, small bin liners, newspaper or household packaging, depending on local authority rules. Darlington Borough Council says its processing plant removes plastic bags before anaerobic digestion, while removed bags are later used to generate energy. However, councils use different systems: Stockport and Rochdale require certified compostable liners, and Middlesbrough and Stockton provide free replacements but prohibit ordinary plastic bags. Residents should check their council’s specific guidance before changing liners.