The drive to recycle more waste in Billericay and Wickford has taken a step forward as a new kerbside glass recycling scheme is trialled.
More than 14,000 homes across the towns and the district will benefit from the new initiative which aims to increase the amount of glass recycled.
The one-year trial will include weekly and fortnightly collections and is due to be rolled out later this year by Basildon Council.
A council spokesman, said: "Glass contributes around 7 per cent of the waste stream in the UK, estimated to be more than 5,000 tonnes per year. Kerbside schemes are a new and green way of diverting glass from landfill.
"The council has a number of kerbside schemes running successfully already including paper and green waste. The new collection service will add another link to the council's abundant recycling armoury, making it easier for residents to recycle and help the environment.
"With a recycling target of 20 per cent for 2003 to 2204, Basildon Council is urging residents to recycle all of their glass, not just wine and spirit bottles but also food jars. These containers are often forgotten when residents visit glass banks.
"By recycling glass, natural resources and energy will be saved in the manufacturing process of new bottles and jars. If each household recycled all of their glass bottles and jars they would power a colour TV for nearly 4.5 days, enough to watch 210 episodes of Coronation Street."
For further information on local recycling points, call Basildon Council on 01268 294415.
Published Wednesday, April 30, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article