Recycling in flats expands

12.55.33pm GMT Fri 9th Feb 2007

A pilot scheme enabling people in flats to recycle cardboard and plastic bottles has been launched by Richmond Council this month

Residents in 34 blocks in the south of the borough will benefit from the new service alongside existing communal collections of paper, glass and cans. Clarendon School in Hampton is also taking part. The six-month trial is part of the Council's effort to boost recycling services for flats. Kerbside collections of plastic bottles and cardboard from every home in the borough, are due to start later this year. If it is successful, the trial could be extended to all suitable flats borough-wide.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

"I am delighted to announce this new trial which will provide a significant boost in recycling provision for people living in flats. The Council is committed to increasing the borough's recycling rate towards 40 per cent and beyond in the next three years and initiatives such as this are vital. I would remind anyone taking part to only recycle plastic bottles and not other types of plastics such as carrier bags and yoghurt pots as these will contaminate the collections and prevent them from being recycled."

The blocks taking part are in Hampton, Teddington, Twickenham, St Margaret's and Whitton. Residents in flats that have room for extra recycling bins on site can also ask to join the plastic bottle and cardboard collection trial. Please call Recycling Officer Dimitra Rizou on 020 8487 5171 or email d.rizou@richmond.gov.uk for more information.