Life begins at forty for District recyclers
City Council leaders are hailing Winchester District residents as champion recyclers following a more than doubling of recycling levels across the district.
Latest results show that current recycling levels have reached nearly 44% as compared to about 20% before the scheme started. The results follow the switch over to the Alternate Bin Collection system which encourages residents to recycle more by separating their waste before collection. Staff are predicting an annual recycling level of approximately 40% which will place the authority in the top tier of recycling authorities across the country.
The switch over to the ABC methodology began in January this year and was completed in July. The 44% recycling rate for August was made up of 32% of dry mixed recyclables and 12% of green waste.
Commenting on the success, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Health and Safety Councillor Frank Pearson said, ”These results are even greater than we expected when we were planning the changes to the refuse and recycling system. They demonstrate the enthusiasm there is in the community to adopt greener ways of managing their waste. I’d like to thank all residents for playing a crucial part in helping to make Winchester a ‘greener’ place to work and live.
“We will continue to support residents in the future as we look at ways in which this performance can be maintained whilst also considering options for recycling other materials.”
Anyone wanting further advice on recycling issues can visit the Recycle for Winchester web pages at www.winchester.gov.uk or can telephone 0800 008 60 50.