Residents from across St Edmundsbury have been challenged to take their recycling efforts to the next level by reducing their black bin rubbish to nothing while taking part in Zero Waste Week.
During the week, which takes place from 10 to 17 March, the borough council will be encouraging people to only use products which can be recycled, composted or reused, avoiding things which can only be put into the black bin. For example, those taking part could avoid buying anything wrapped in polystyrene or plastic film, which cannot be recycled at the kerbside.
Anyone who signs up will also be asked to keep an eye on packaging, buying fruit and vegetables loose instead of ready packed and taking reusable bags with them when they visit the supermarket.
Participants are being asked to make a note of the amount of black bin waste they produce on an average week so that they can compare it with the amount they produce during Zero Waste Week.
Cllr Peter Stevens, cabinet member with responsibility for the environment at St Edmundsbury, said:
“Our figures show that most people who live in our borough have already proved themselves to be enthusiastic recyclers who are careful to sort their waste into their blue, brown and black bins every week. Zero Waste Week will give them the opportunity to go one step further and try and reduce their rubbish to absolutely nothing.”
The challenge will be launched at Ixworth Primary School on Monday. Pupils at the school will be taking part in an initiative to reuse unwanted toys, bringing them into school to swap with others, and will also be trying hard to reuse and recycle as much as they can. Any toys left over will be sent to Africa, Pakistan and Eastern Europe for reuse.
Cllr Stevens added:
“I would encourage as many people as possible to sign up to the challenge and see just how low you can go. You may well be surprised at the results!”
And there are lots of other activities going on during the week, including:
- a free compost giveaway at the household waste recycling centres in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill (subject to availability);
- a free reusable bag giveaway in the Cornhill Walk Shopping Centre in Bury St Edmunds from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday 12 March;
- toy ‘swap shops’ at various schools across the borough;
- free business waste seminars, taking place on:
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- Thursday 13 March from 1pm – 3pm at the Borough Offices, Lower Downs Slade, Haverhill;
- Friday 14 March from 10am – 12pm at the Borough Offices, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds;
- a recycling presentation at the Erskine Centre in Chedburgh at 8pm on Monday 10 March.
You can register to take part in Zero Waste Week over the phone or by downloading the form by following the links from the homepage of the council’s website. Don’t forget to record your findings and get as close to zero waste as you possibly can.
During the week, St Edmundsbury will also be running a competition, sponsored by Viridor Waste Management Limited, to give away ten special kitchen waste composting bins. Details will be available at www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk
ENDS
ISSUED BY LIZ HEARNSHAW, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Tel 01284 757033. liz.hearnshaw@stedsbc.gov.uk
