National award for Wiltshire Council after recycling drive
The council has been trying to reduce unrecyclable items going to waste sites
Last updated 13th Oct 2023
Wiltshire Council has been handed an award in recognition of its efforts to engage more people in recycling.
The councils Recycling: Lets Sort It campaign was successful in the ‘Best communications campaign of the year’ at the LARAC (Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee) Conference Celebration awards on 11th October.
The campaign started in February this year and followed an increase in unrecyclable items being placed into blue-lidded bins.
Data from December 2022 showed 18% of materials sent to the council’s waste facility were items incorrectly placed into the bin.
Figures from April 2023 showed that number had reduced considerably to below 10%.
Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Waste, said: “We are delighted to win this award for our work to encourage people to recycle as much as possible. Our Recycling: Let’s Sort It campaign will continue as it really gets to the heart of all that we’re trying to achieve as a waste service.
“We’ve asked that people make simple changes and ensure they are putting the right materials in the right bins, and that small change in behaviour helps make a big difference. Winning this national award demonstrates we’re making great progress and we’ll be working hard to see that continue. We thank everyone for their support.”
Items commonly incorrectly placed into blue-lidded bins included:
• Carrier bags and bin bags – put these in the general waste bin for energy recovery.
• Hard plastics, such as toys and plant pots – take these to a household recycling centre for recycling; or put in the general waste bin for energy recovery.
• Scrap metals – take these to a household recycling centre for recycling.
• Nappies – put these in the general waste bin for energy recovery.