2017-10-20 Recycling target in sight
The recycling rate in the St Albans District is close to hitting a 60%-plus target following the introduction of a new waste collection service.
During the past year, the 60% figure has been exceeded on six separate months and achieved a peak of 65.3% in June.
Overall, the recycling rate – as measured by weight – has risen to 59.6% for the year to September. That compares to 53.2% for the same period in 2016-17.
The new service was rolled out in the summer of 2016 by St Albans City and District Council and its waste contractor Veolia.
A performance update was given to a meeting of the Council’s Cabinet on Thursday 19 October.
Councillors were told an analysis of waste placed in the brown bins used for non-recyclable items was carried out earlier this year.
This found that 26% of the contents were food waste, most of which could have been recycled.
A survey also revealed that only 54% of households were putting out food waste bins for collection.
This showed there is potential to boost the recycling rate beyond 60% and the Council is now undertaking further work to encourage residents to recycle more.
Councillor Daniel Chichester-Miles, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “The new waste collection service has been very successful and has been backed by our residents.
“I am impressed that we are now close to achieving the 60%-plus target and am hopeful that we will do so over the coming year.
“We must encourage residents to recycle a lot more food waste with research showing that this makes up 26% of the contents of the residual waste in the brown bin.
“That has to change partly because disposing of food waste in landfill dumps is an expense our Council tax payers could do without.”
Councillor contact:
Cllr Daniel Chichester-Miles, Portfolio Holder for the Environment for St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819281
Email: cllr.d.chichester-miles@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the media:
John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City & District Council
Tel: 01727 296130
Email: john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk