Richmond Upon Thames recycling rate rises to 43 pc

12 November 2009

RICHMOND Upon Thames has attained a recycling rate of 43pc – up from 28pc in only four years.

The council’s cabinet member for the environment, Cllr Geoff Acton, says: “It is our aim to get this figure even higher. The take-up of paper, metal and plastic recycling has been very encouraging and the next logical step is to encourage residents to join the 'Starve the Bin' campaign and start recycling their food waste.”

He said the council’s next communications campaign would focus on food-waste recycling. Free food-waste liners would be distributed in December.

“Each household that recycles their food waste all year save about 150 kg of waste from going to landfill. If every household joined in, we would add another 3-5 pc to the recycling rate.

“Greater London Authority figures suggest that nearly three million tonnes of organic waste, mainly from food, are produced in London each year; this is waste which could be used to produce eco-fuel for businesses and homes.

“It should also be remembered that food-waste recycling boxes are far more resistant to attack by foxes and cats than the traditional black bags, so increased use of these boxes will help reduce the familiar sight of eviscerated black bags and their contents strewn across pavements.”

Cllr Acton, who is a Lib Dem, said the Conservatives, in their latest "Smear & Sneer" campaign about the council's record on environmental matters, had claimed the council was not focusing on recycling. “This is complete nonsense.”

One of the Lib Dems’ key election promises in 2006 was to put the environment at the heart of their policy decisions, he added. “The 50pc rise in the recycling rate makes is quite clear that the residents of Richmond upon Thames are keen to do their bit to be supportive of our recycling policies.

“We owe it to them to recognize their encouragement and support and work even harder to ensure that we continue to offer one of the best recycling services in London, if not the country."

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