Press release - Aug 15, 2008 12:00 AM

High recycling levels at recycling centres

Recycling levels at Cornwall’s household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) have reached 60 per cent - the highest rate ever achieved in the county.

The boost in recycling levels, recorded in July 2008, has been achieved by a combination of factors, including: a £15M investment to refurbish the centres; training for staff working at the centres and an increased commitment to recycling among members of the public.

The 60 per cent recycling rate at HWRCs was Cornwall County Council’s aspirational target when signing the contract with SITA in 2006, although the contractual requirement was a 50 per cent average recycling rate for all the sites. Cllr Adam Paynter, Cornwall County Council’s portfolio holder for Environment and Heritage, said: ‘I am delighted that the 60% target has been achieved already, and look forward to seeing still higher rates in future. It is important that everyone realises that the proposed Energy from Waste plant is not a reason to try less hard to recycle - our contract was carefully written to avoid any commitment to deliver set tonnages for energy recovery and the more we recycle, the better.’

Louis de Poncheville, General Manager for SITA UK in Cornwall, said: ‘A 60% recycling rate is a wonderful achievement by both the people of Cornwall and our staff working at the HWRCs. However, we will not be complacent and are striving to recycle more items and to continue to improve the service SITA Cornwall provides in the county.’

SITA Cornwall manages twelve HWRCS across the county, which accept paper, cardboard, metal, glass, wood, textiles, aerosol cans, asbestos, tyres, gas bottles, batteries, green waste and rubble. Items that are in good condition can also be brought to the centres, which are then sold to members of the public in outlets in Hayle and Liskeard.