Help us recycle even more

Wyre Forest residents are thanked for their recycling efforts after figures show that more than ten thousand tonnes of recycling was diverted from landfill in the past twelve months.

Wyre Forest District Council introduced a new recycling scheme in July 2010 which included a change in the way recycling was collected.  Large green wheelie bins were supplied to residents enabling more things to be recycled.  Cartons, rigid plastic containers and all grades of cardboard can be put in the green recycling bin along with the usual glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles, tin cans, aerosols, paper and card.

Councillor Marcus Hart, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Environmental Services said,

“‘Wyre Forest residents have put in a superb effort over the last twelve months. The changes introduced in 2010 have made it easier for people to recycle and increased the amount of materials that can be recycled.  This has had a knock-on effect with the amount of waste we’re sending to landfill decreasing. We still have a long way to go to meet Governments recycling targets of 40% by 2012 and are working with residents to be able to achieve this.”

The Council is now urging people to have another look at the Recycling Guide issued with their green bin to remind themselves of material that can be recycled.

Jo Duffield, Waste Minimisation Officer at the council said,

“‘We’re having a lot of positive feedback to the new recycling scheme but we’re still coming across residents who aren’t sure how to use their bin and so aren’t recycling all that they could. Margarine tubs, yogurt pots and ice cream tubs can now be put in the bin as well as corrugated cardboard and juice or milk cartons. The main point to remember is that items should be put in loose – not in bags. All material should also be contained within the bin, if residents find they have too much recycling they can apply for a second green bin or, for people with limited space or occasional excess recycling, a recycling bag can be obtained from the Worcestershire Hub.”

Photograph shows Crew Member David Peters and Councillor Marcus Hart deomstrating the improtance of not putting bagged waste in the green bin

Whilst most people have got to grips with the new scheme, a small number of residents are not using the bins properly.

Councillor Hart added,

“Our crews are finding some residents filling their green bin with bagged waste or hiding it under recycling. We’re urging people not to do this as it can mean an entire load not being accepted by the recycling sorting facility company and then having to be sent to landfill.  This is why crews will not empty green bins if they contain bagged waste or the wrong materials and a yellow ‘contamination’ tag will have to be attached.  We’re happy to offer advice to anyone who is finding it hard to manage their waste.”

Click here for more information and an electronic version of the Recycling Guide.  To order an additional green recycling bin email Worcestershire Hub or call 01562 732928.  Additional recycling bags can be collected from the Hubs.

Issued on - 5th October 2011