RUNNYMEDE RECYCLING

How you can help!

DIRECTORY OF RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES IN AND AROUND RUNNYMEDE

Use the Earth's resources wisely

Everyone benefits from recycling

Compiled by: Runnymede Borough Council, Environmental Protection Division, Runnymede Civic Centre, Station Road Addlestone Surrey KT15 2AH Telephone: (01932) 838383

Enquiries to: Maureen Chambers, Recycling Officer (01932) 425713 Darren Harding, Waste Minimisation Officer (01932) 425715

With the assistance of: Vince Smith MBE of the British Trust Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), Egham and Staines Group, telephone (01932) 563291.

INTRODUCTION

The Scale of the Problem

Each year Runnymede households produce almost 30,000 tonnes of waste. This is 0.9t per household per year. Of this tonnage, about 90% goes into huge holes in the ground called landfill sites. Landfill eats up space and rotting waste can pollute ground water supplies and produce gases that are responsible for global warming. The quantity of waste we produce keeps rising and this costs taxpayers. Often waste that is being dumped can be re-used or recycled: at least 50% of dustbin contents is recyclable and another 20% is made up of compostable organic material. Only 5% of dustbin contents are recycled at present. Disposing of this type of rubbish is a waste of resources, energy and money.

Kerbside Recycling

In February 2003 Runnymede Borough Council, in partnership with Cheshire Recycling, introduced a weekly kerbside collection throughout the Borough. Most residents were given a blue box for glass jars and bottles as well as tin and aluminium cans. They were also given two bags, a blue one for newspapers, magazines and junk mail, and a black bag for textiles. Householders put the bags and box out for collection on the appropriate day for their area and the recyclables are sorted straight onto the customised trucks by trained operatives.

If you require further information regarding the kerbside recycling system, or if you require a box and bags, please ring Maureen Chambers, the Recycling Officer, on 0800 052 0067 to discuss the matter.

How Can You Help?

1. The best way to deal with waste is not to create it in the first place. Only buy what you need, not the packaging that comes with it. Typically, out of every £75 spent on groceries, £10 is for the packaging.
2. Don't just throw things away! Encourage others to REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE (the 3 R's).
3. Take reusable shopping bags with you instead of using more plastic carrier bags to the supermarket
4. Re-use and recycle as much as you can: glass bottles and jars, newspapers, magazines and junk mail, aluminium cans and steel tins, clothes and shoes, but also other recyclables.
5. Buy products made from, or packaged in, recycled materials, e.g. writing paper, newspapers, toilet paper, refuse sacks, fleece jackets, compost, etc. Look out for the "Buy Recycled" logo on products. Recycling will only work if there is a market for recycled goods.
6. Recycle your garden waste by composting it. Not only will your garden benefit but also it will help reduce the amount of waste, which at present is deposited in landfill sites. Composting will help the Council to keep collection costs low.
7. Try to give away or sell items you no longer want, rather than taking them to a Civic Amenities Site. Remember, one person's junk is another person's treasure!
8. Avoid batteries where possible. If you use a lot of batteries, consider rechargeable ones that last for years.
9. Use a filter jug instead of buying bottled water in plastic containers. Not only will you save money, but also you will save many bottles from ending up in a landfill site.
10. Don't drop cans, bottles and litter. Use the litter bins provided or take the litter home and add it to the materials you are taking to the recycling sites or voluntary group.
11. Use refillable products around the house, e.g. detergents, herbs and spices, to save on packaging.
12. Re-use quality paper printed on one side only. Cut it up and use as scrap pads. Use a sticky label to re-address and re-use envelopes.
13. Use torn/stained cotton clothing for rags/polishing cloths. Wash and mend good old clothes and take them to local charity shops or your nearest textile banks.
14. Keep useful materials for your children's school craft projects.
15. Car share when travelling to work. Try to walk, cycle or use public transport whenever possible.
16. Be energy efficient! Switch off lights when not needed and use time switches to save electricity, and use long life, low energy bulbs where possible. Ensure that your home is well insulated and draught proofed to save energy.

Use the Earth's resources wisely

Everyone benefits from recycling