Recycling - Haven't We Done Well!
PR 137
28 February 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A recent audit by NEWS the organisation that processes the recyclable materials collected by local authorities in Norfolk, says Great Yarmouth has one of the best records for the quality of items it sends for recycling.
“We are extremely pleased with the result,” said Councillor Patricia Page, Cabinet Member for Recycling and Waste Management.
“The audit shows that even before the latest batch of wheelie bins were rolled out to Southtown, Cobholm and Gorleston in January, the Borough was sending around 440 tons of high class materials per month to NEWS.
“But we can do even better! Some of the materials sent to NEWS have to be rejected because they are items that can’t be recycled. Alternatively, others are recyclable but have to be rejected as they are too badly squashed to separate from the other materials. A high percentage of these crushed items are steel or aluminium cans and plastic bottles.
“I know we advise people to squash items going into the grey bins, but the machinery NEWS uses to sort the recycling finds it difficult pick out bottles and cans if they have been badly flattened”.
“It would really help if residents
didn’t squash their steel or aluminium cans and plastic bottles but instead put them straight into their recycling bins after rinsing them out. By doing this they are helping to ensure that all the materials they put in their green bins get recycled.
The items which can be recycled in the green bins include cans, cardboard, newspapers, plastic bottles, empty aerosol cans, magazines, telephone directories and home shopping catalogues.
Residents are also asked to remember to put all their recycling into the bin loose and not in plastic bags.
A 10-minute DVD is available which shows how the operation at the NEWS site in Costessey works. If any group would care to borrow one Councillor Patricia Page invites them to contact her on either 01493 440662 or 07795 428163.
For further information call: Councillor Patricia Page on 01493 440662, or Waste Minimisation Officer Rob Cole on 01493 846441.
Issued by:
Liz Dann
Press Officer
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
01493 846513