Vale Recycling Soars (Oxford West and Abingdon Liberal Democrats)

Oxford West and Abingdon Liberal Democrats <info@oxwablibdems.org.uk>

Vale Recycling Soars

August 7, 2008 1:45 PM

Cllr Andrew Dakers has been a passionate advocate of recycling and zero waste for many years Vale residents have massively increased the amount of waste they recycle, causing the rate in the district to soar.

In June this year residents recycled just under 40% of their waste (39.76%). More importantly for the long term future of waste collection the amount of waste which was sent to landfill went down from 2433 tonnes in June 2007 to just 2085 tonnes this June. The amount of green waste sent to compost was up by 160 tonnes in the same month.

These figures represent a significant increase in recycling and a major drop in the amount of waste created. All Councils are working hard to reduce waste sent to landfill to counter the rising cost of disposing of waste in this way. Landfill tax is set to increase significantly as all European countries seek to reduce the amount thrown out.

Vale Executive Member Cllr Jenny Hannaby said: "These figures are hugely encouraging and everyone should be very proud of our achievement together. The Council has made great strides in encouraging more and more recycling and less waste production and residents have helped us to make great improvements. With even more effort together we can reach the magical 40%. Everyone in the Vale should give themselves a pat on the back for this achievement and we can all aim to do even better in future."