The 5 R's
Reducing, reusing and recycling waste is something that we
can all do. It is an excellent way to act locally to help
the global environment.
Households in this district generated 38,323 tonnes (excluding
Civic Amenity sites) of rubbish in the year 1998-99. At the
moment we are recycling 15% of it. The rest is going to landfill
sites where it is buried in the ground. As waste decomposes
it produces harmful "greenhouse" gases and toxic
liquids which can contaminate our water supply. If we continue
in this way, Hertfordshire we will run out of landfill space
by 2007 .
This council is committed to increasing the level of recycling,
to do so we need your help. We can either reduce the amount
of waste that we produce and/or by recycling more.
Remember:
- Reduce the amount of waste that you produce.
- Refuse unwanted packaging and bags.
- Reuse bags, boxes, plastic tubs and bottles around the
house. For example cut the bottom off plastic bottles to
make covers to protect young plants.
- Repair items that are broken - or give them to someone
who can repair and reuse them.
- Recycle what you can at he recycling centres.
Recycling
There are 24 recycling points in the district, where you
can recycle a range of different materials (www.wasteaware.org.uk/db/hwsites.cfm)
.There are many organisations that can help you to reduce,
reuse and recycle your waste. We have listed a few below:
- Charity Shops in the area may be interested in your unwanted
books, bric-a-brac, blankets, bed linen and clothes. Also
check the local press for jumble sales and fetes.
- Introduce a paper recycling scheme at work to your school
- Cut the amount of "junk mail" you receive by
writing to - The Mailing Preference Service, Freepost 22,
London, W1E 7EX. The service is FREE.
- For further information , please contact: Waste Aware
helpline on 08457 425000, or e-mail: wasteaware@hertscc.gov.uk
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