Plastic pots to be collected under changes to Richmond's recycling services (From This Is Local London)

Plastic pots to be collected under changes to Richmond's recycling services

10:46am Wednesday 1st September 2010 in

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Yogurt pots, margarine tubs and other containers previously thrown in the rubbish bin will be recycled if changes to collections are agreed.

On Monday, Richmond Council’s cabinet is set to approve an enhancement of the recycling service, to come into force in November, which it hopes will see more than 1,000 extra tonnes of waste diverted away from landfill every year.

Councillor Virginia Morris, Richmond Council's cabinet member for environment, said: “Richmond residents are already among the best recyclers in London, but in recent years our recycling rate has levelled off at about 43 per cent.

“This is a good rate, but more can be done.

“Once these proposals to extend what can be recycled are adopted, we should see a step change in how much rubbish can be re-used.

“Every tonne we steer away from landfill represents a financial saving - money which we do not have to pay to the Government and that can instead be used locally.”

The authority believes the extra items that will be recycled - which also include food trays and cardboard drinks cartons - will lead to a 2 per cent increase in the recycling rate.

Coun Morris added: “In terms of how the system works, people will see very little change, there will still be two recycling containers and a third for food waste, but it is my hope that from November, people will be able to put a lot more into the recycling.”

Councillor Martin Elengorn, Richmond Liberal Democrats’ environment spokesman, said: "The claim that recycling rates have levelled off in recent years at about 43 per cent is contradicted by the Annual Performance Report 2009-10 which went to the July cabinet and shows a year on year increase.

“A further rise predicted from the new arrangements is of course welcomed but it is an exaggeration to claim it is a step change when similar increases have occurred year by year under the Lib Dems."

The authority also hopes changes made at the Townmead Road Civic Amenity Site, in Kew, will lead to an extra one per cent increase in the recycling rate.

For a trial period West London Waste Authority, of which Richmond Council is a member, will be diverting waste from the site to a facility that will separate it and recycle up to 80 per cent of rubbish currently being sent to landfill.