Recycling efforts don’t go to waste

Councillors at Plymouth City Council are recognising the efforts residents and businesses are making as more waste is reused, recycled and composted.

Despite an increase in households the amount of household waste currently collected in the city has fallen by 2.39 per cent compared with last year, suggesting that residents are being greener. That’s a decrease of 2,200 tonnes of rubbish, the equivalent of over 350 full refuse bins.

In addition, over a third of the waste collected from residents and businesses is being sent for reuse, recycling and composting.

The Council have been promoting reuse as a method of getting rid of unwanted items including electrical goods, furniture and white goods for a while. With many benefits including reduced landfill tax being paid, a smaller carbon footprint for the city and fewer emissions they will continue to encourage more to be done.

Charities, businesses and communities also benefit by residents donating clothes, books and toys that are then reused by other families, especially those on lower incomes.

Selling unwanted items on sites like eBay, through car boot sales and repair shops are also still popular.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Brian Vincent said: “People have been talking about recycling for years but I’ve always been more into encouraging reusing. We all reuse, probably without even thinking about it. Examples include using a bag for life when shopping, putting clothes into a charity collection bag or even buying a second hand washing machine. It all counts.

“The voluntary and charity sector are often the unsung heroes when it comes to reusing. Not only does their work help raise money for a good cause they also help reduce our waste and keep good quality products in circulation. They can’t do this without the kind donations of our residents and businesses though and a lot are already making a tremendous effort. Keep it up, and next time you’re throwing something away ask yourself whether someone can use it, and donate it!”

Residents can also continue to take items to the Weston Mill and Chelson Meadow recycling centres where items are categorised and arranged to be refurbished and reused whenever possible. If not they will be recycled. Electrical items are taken to Absolute Recycling’s treatment facility at Burrington Way for recycling or reuse.

Previous to 2012, when the Plymouth facility was built the waste was transported to various locations around the country. Using a Plymouth facility is not only much more environmentally friendly but has also enabled the economy to benefit as the reusable items are kept and sold locally. Additionally, job and apprenticeship opportunities have been created.

Andy Hawkins from Absolute Recycling said: “In 2013 over 14,000 items including washing machines, fridges and cookers came to us from the Chelson Meadow recycling centre of which a staggering 40% went for reuse or parts harvesting. This makes it one of the highest reuse rates in the country. The items are then refurbished and resold to residents and businesses that may not be able to pay the full price for new items. This helps communities that could be struggling in this financial climate, whilst benefitting the local economy.”

The Council’s environmental services are one of the first areas to review their operations, making processes more efficient and improving services for residents. Plans include rolling out city wide glass collection as well as reviewing waste collection zones.

Residents interested in finding out more about how to reuse items can find information on the Council’s website at www.plymouth.gov.uk/reuseandrefurbishment or at www.recycledevon.org.