Stockport Council asked people to put out their brown bin on their recycling day, including all the correct items for collection. Householders who were randomly chosen and had all the 'right things' in their bin won £20 in shopping vouchers.
Green-minded residents putting the right thing in their bin has helped the borough increase its recycling rate to 67%. This ensures that expensive landfill charges are avoided, saving money and protecting other key services.
If a bin contains the wrong items it can affect the whole load the vehicle is carrying, wasting everyone else’s recycling efforts. The Council's research shows that items often put in the wrong bin include cardboard drinks cartons, which should go in the blue bin, and tin foil, which should go in the brown bin.
Councillor Shan Alexander, Executive Member for the Environment, at Stockport Council, said: "Congratulations to these keen recyclers who are doing their bit to help us to recycle 67% of all waste - this is a fantastic achievement. I would encourage everyone to double check their recycling by visiting the website or downloading the Recycle for Greater Manchester phone app to make sure you put the right thing in the right bin."
Carol Delaney of Lapwing Lane, Brinnington won shopping vouchers for her excellent recycling efforts. She said: “At first I was a bit confused by the new recycling bins, but now I’ve got to grips with it, it’s fine. I don’t even need to think about it – I just put things straight into the right bin. I keep my calendar pinned up in the kitchen so I can check which bin goes out on which day. This new system is much more convenient than bags, I think everyone should keep up the good work.”
Everyone can boost the borough’s recycling by making sure they put the right items into their recycling bins. For more information about Right Thing Right Bin visit www.stockport.gov.uk/waste
Cllr Shan Alexander (left) congratulates champion recycler Carol Delaney (right).