Residents urged to keep up the good work!
When it comes to recycling, some messages are worth repeatingagain and again! So, we want to bring you up to date with all the recycling news and services on offer to help you recycle as much rubbish as possible.
But first, a big thank you to all you great recyclers out there - thanks to you we have achieved our 2007-08 target to recycle 25 per cent of the rubbish we all throw away.
In 12 months we've collected nearly 18,000 tonnes of recyclable material through our Kerb-it and Green-It schemes combined, that's over 1,300 tonnes more than the previous year. 1,600 tonnes was recycled from our 3 bring sites - again an increase on last year - helped by the inclusion of plastic bottle recycling at 17 of our sites. Nearly all households are within 'easy access' of a recycling bank|.
Responsible recycling
If you've a large item that's old, broken or you simply don't use anymore - there's a good chance it can be recycled. Fridges, freezers, TVs, computers and large household items can all be recycled - so, don't be tempted to just 'throw it away' or flytip - give us a call and our bulky waste collectors will come and collect it - there is a charge - but it's a lot cheaper than a fine! And if you want, you can take the item yourself to our household waste recycling centres for free.
Recycling on the move
Our 40 recycling bins that appeared across the borough last year are proving popular as more and more of you are using them for your used small pop bottles, newspapers and cans. But please remember they are for small items and are not designed to take large items or as somewhere to leave large bags of household waste.
Why Recycle?
We've said it before, but it's worth saying again! Recycling conserves natural resources for the future, saves energy, reduces pollution and protects the environment by reducing the amount of waste we send to landfill. And if we want to achieve our target of recycling 50 per cent of the rubbish we produce by 2020 - we need you to recycle more. So, please think twice before you throw something away - every little helps.
For more info on recycling and how the council can help you phone: 0191 433 7000 or log on to: www.gateshead.gov.uk/recycling|