The Local Government Association (LGA) is working with Shropshire Council on evaluating the effectiveness of food waste disposers to see if more food waste can be sent down the sewer system. A new housing development and food waste disposers, manufactured by In Sink Erator are being used for the trial. The waste disposers grind up the waste which is then flushed through the sewers along with normal waste water. At the sewerage plant the food waste, now combined with the other materials in the waste water, is processed to produce renewable energy and by products like fertilizer. The LGA, representing 423 local authorities across England and Wales, said in a statement it hoped the food waste disposers will produce a cost saving for the Council while enabling the LGA to assess if there are additional costs or maintenance resulting from the process. The Shrewsbury pilot project forms part of the LGAs Waste Innovation Programme, which focuses on innovative ways to reduce waste, improve service and produce savings. Councillor Peter Fleming, the Chair of the LGA Improvement Board leading this project, said Local government has long been recognised as the most efficient part of the public sector. But at a time of immense budget pressure and with the prospect of further severe funding cuts at the next spending review councils face their greatest challenge yet to reshape services in a way that meets the needs of local residents while operating within the new financial realities. He added This is why exploring innovative solutions to waste management is crucial. There are households where collecting food waste for composting is not possible. By researching new potential ways of dealing with this waste we open the door to possible savings.