Recycling Rate Reaches 50% With Wheelie Bins

7.09.09pm GMT Sun 14th Jan 2007

Liberal Democrat Councillors Vanessa Pedder (Vice-Chair of Uttlesford's Environment Committee), Mark Gayler (Leader of the Council) and Alan Thawley (Chair of the Environment Committee) with the wheelie bins that have boosted recycling in Uttlesford.

In November 2005, 24.7% of waste in Uttlesford was recycled. In November 2006 the figure was 50.1% - more than double what it was before the introduction of the new three wheelie bin system.

If the present rate of recycling continues, Liberal Democrat-controlled Uttlesford District will become one of the top ten Councils in the country for recycling.

According to the Audit Commission, the overall effect of introducing the new wheelie bin system is a £1,000,000-plus saving in the cost of sending waste to be buried in the ground, which represents "a significant reduction in future revenue costs."

Leader of Uttlesford District Council, Cllr. Mark Gayler comments "The new system and the enthusiastic support of local residents has doubled the amount we recycle. This helps the environment and represents a big saving on your future Council Tax. Liberal Democrats care for the Environment and your pocket."