Residents Fantastic in new Recycling Collection

Thanks to co-operation from residents, the first recycling collection of the new alternate week service has been a resounding success.

In total over 128 tonnes of recycling was collected, including twice as much paper and double the expectations for glass, cans and plastic bottles. The breakdown in the total was as follows:

• 40 tonnes of glass, plastic bottles and cans
• 30 tonnes of paper
• 10 tonnes of cardboard
• 48 tonnes of garden waste

The quality of the recycling collected was excellent with only a small amount of contamination per load. However operational issues meant that some paper and cardboard was collected together but residents are reminded of the need to separate their cardboard and paper and ensure that only plastic bottles are put in the new green bin.

Speaking about the record tonnages collected Councillor Wera Hobhouse Environmental Portfolio Holder said: "What a fantastic start to this new service! We now need the tonnages collected to be sustained and move Rochdale up the recycling league! Thanks to all the residents who recycled items and the dedicated and professional attitude of our collection crews and team of officers who ensured that everything was collected."

The new service now offers residents the chance to recycle plastic bottles and cardboard as well as cans, glass and paper.

Date article online: 07/06/2006