Recycling contamination warnings reach 900

District Council environment experts have issued 900 warning letters in the last three months after contaminants were found in residents' organic recycling brown bins.

Environmental Protection Manager, Alison Page, said:

"Every time a lorry load of organic waste is refused by the composting centre it costs £2,000."

"I'm pleased to say that most residents have responded positively to the warning letters and the number of people we have had to write to a second time is 62. This must be reduced further."

Lorries containing 5% or more contamination in the organic waste are rejected by the composting centre and the rubbish is sent to landfill. The Council has had three loads refused in 2007 at a cost of £6,000. The cost is shouldered by the County and District Councils. The number of refused loads in Three Rivers has fallen by six since last year.

If residents are unsure about how to use their recycling bins they can contact Three Rivers District Council on 01923 776611(minicom 01923 727 303) or visit the Recycling page.