RESIDENTS are being urged to double check the rules around what can go in their green bin to try and boost the city’s recycling rates.
Worcester’s recycling is taken to the Envirosort Materials Reclamation facility in Norton where the materials are separated and despatched to reprocessors so that they can eventually be made into new goods.
However local leaders are urging residents to do more to boost the city’s recycling credentials and help the environment.
The call comes after Councillors Karen Lewin and Zoe Cookson, chair and vice chair of Worcester’s environment committee, visited Envirosort.
There they discovered that around ten per cent of recycling taken to the centre is rejected as it contains non-recyclables which can contaminate the whole load.
“We learned about what can and can’t be put in the green bin,” said Coun Cookson.
“For example anything in plastic bags isn’t recycled as there is a health and safety risk around staff opening bags.
“Plastic bottles or cans shouldn’t be squashed before they go in your green bin as if they are flattened, then they’re not recognised by the 3D scanner.
“Containers and other recyclable materials which have contained food or drink need to be rinsed and dried, so paper and card recycling does not have to be rejected.
“A new thing I learned is that cardboard needs to be cut to A3 size, this means that it fits easily into the green bin.
“Recycling is so important and it is reassuring to see Worcester residents using their green bins, but I think we can all do a little better to maximise our recycling rates and I’d urge everyone to join in – a few small changes could make a massive difference.”
Visit www.letswasteless.com for more information about can and cannot go in the green recycling bin.
