New initiative will reduce waste to landfill

New initiative will reduce waste to landfill

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16 January 2012

New initiative will reduce waste to landfill

A new recycling initiative will reduce waste taken to landfill whilst cutting disposal costs.

Following a successful trial in Thetford earlier this year, Breckland Council has purchased eight new ‘barrows’, for their street cleaning teams. With two separate compartments, the new barrows will enable crews to separate recyclable items from those destined for landfill.

Lynda Turner, Executive Member for Localism, Communities and Environmental Services said: “We anticipate that this initiative could reduce waste taken to landfill by as much as 24 tonnes a year.

“Residents can also play their part in helping to reduce landfill. If you’re out and about and have litter to dispose of, look out for on street recycling facilities or, if these are not available, take recyclable waste home to put in the appropriate bin. Together, we can really make a difference”.

Steven Hitchman, Serco Street Cleansing Supervisor said: ''The Street Cleansing Team recognised that lots of rubbish we collect is recyclable. We started a trial to see what was collected and were amazed at the findings. Serco and  Breckland looked into what we could do to improve the situation and, by using these new barrows, we believe we can make a real difference in reducing what goes to landfill, whilst also boosting recycling.''

Breckland’s contractor, Serco has reorganised some of its operations to accommodate the initiative at no extra cost to the Council.  The scheme will be rolled out in the district this month. For more information, contact Environmental Services on 01362 656870.