BE A CARDBOARD CUTOUT RECYCLER
July 15 2005
Not as many people as had been hoped are taking up the City Council’s free cardboard recycling scheme.
Now a reminder is being issued to local residents that they can get ‘significant amounts’ of cardboard collected – at the same time as their refuse and green recycling box.
The cardboard recycling scheme means that people who have packaging from furniture or large goods can put it out for separate collection. This is aimed at cutting down the amount of waste going into the landfill site.
And residents who use the scheme are being advised to cut up the boxes and turn them inside out – so that thieves can’t see what sort of new items have just been bought.
Councillor Andrew Lewis, Cabinet Member for Care and Maintenance of the City, commented: “ In June we collected about eight tons of cardboard. Most of that was material ‘rescued’ by our refuse crews during their rounds.
“We need our residents to help us increase our recycling rates so that we can meet government targets. Putting aside cardboard packaging from large items is just another way they can help us – and help the environment.”
And he added: “ At the same time we don’t want anyone to become the target for opportunist thieves. So we also advise that cardboard is cut or broken down into ‘flat packs’ – and turned inside out so that the products aren’t on display for everyone to see.”
Residents with cardboard for collection can call the City Council contact centre on 01452 396396 and it will be collected on the same day as their usual refuse collection. It can be left out even if it rains.
Other forms of cardboard from smaller packing such as cereal boxes, egg boxes, food packing and toilet rolls are not included in the scheme – but can be taken instead to local recycling centres.