New Year recycling recognition for residents

Date:  03 January 2007

A recycling push by residents has made the district one of the best performing in the UK. Figures announced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) at the end of December showed that Three Rivers achieved a recycling rate of 40% of domestic waste in 2005/06, compared with 25% in the previous year.

Margaret Collier from Watford and Three Rivers Friends of the Earth said:

"We're so pleased that people are taking recycling seriously and making a big effort. We appreciate that it is complicated but it is well worth spending the time and effort to recycle to help the environment. Every little step made locally helps to protect the planet."

The improvement puts Three Rivers in the top ten most improving districts in the UK. By recycling just over 40% of domestic waste, DEFRA has also recognised Three Rivers as being among the top 10% of areas in the UK for the total amount of rubbish recycled.

Three Rivers District Council's Portfolio Holder for Public Services and Health, Councillor Phil Brading, said:

"Although the Council has been working hard to raise awareness of recycling, at the end of the day we recognise that these results are due to the commitment of local residents who are sorting and separating out their recycling on a regular basis.

"The key challenge that now faces us is to reduce the contamination of the recycling in the district. Every lorry load of recycling that is refused costs council tax payers a lot of money. Please, please check you are putting the right rubbish in the right bin or box and if in doubt give the Council a ring and we will be happy to advise."