Wealden residents are some of the best recyclers in the county, helping the District achieve an overall recycling rate of around 50%.—Wealden District Council, 25 January 2017
Most of our residents are familiar with what goes in each bin – and this has been further helped by the free recycling stickers that were sent out with the refuse and recycling calendars before Christmas.
Unfortunately there has been a recent increase in the levels of food contamination in recycling bins.
These have risen to about 2.5%, which represents about half of all the contamination in the recycling bin. It may appear a small amount, but when it occurs in one load, it can be enough to result in the rejection of the whole load at the Materials Reclamation Facility – all 16 tonnes of it!
Items that should not be placed in the recycling bin include food waste, nappies, textiles, hard plastics (e.g. flower pots), polystyrene, bubble wrap and foil lined plastic pouches.
“We’ve been doing a great job when it comes to increasing the amount of waste we now recycle,” said Councillor Roy Galley, Cabinet member for Waste Management. “Residents’ efforts have really made a difference. That is why it is important not to let food waste, such as uneaten pizzas left in cardboard boxes, or takeaway food still in its metal containers, go into your recycling bin.
“Just put the items we can recycle without any additional material in to the recycling bin. Keep it loose and, if you can, give it a good wash and squash – you’ll be able to get more in.”
For further information about what can be recycled, look at your recycling calendar or bin sticker or visit our website www.wealden.gov.uk/recycling and click on the ‘What goes in each container’ link for a detailed list of what is, and isn’t allowed. (http://www.wealden.gov.uk/Wealden/Residents/Recycling_and_Waste/New_Recycling_Services/Waste_Your_New_Recycling_Service_Containers.aspx)
When contamination has affected a collection, the whole load may have to be diverted to the incinerator. This means that perfectly good recycling may be wasted and undermines everyone’s efforts to separate out their waste for recycling, something none of us want. It also means extra disposal costs: money which could be used to help fund essential services.
For further information on recycling, please visit www.wealden.gov.uk/recycling . Alternatively, you can email recycling@wealden.gov.uk or call the Waste Management Team on 01323 443322 for advice.
