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You’re simply the best!
Figures released by Defra this week reveal that people in Somerset are top of all county, unitary and metropolitan areas in England for recycling in 2007/8.
The figures look at all 121 county, unitary and metropolitan authorities responsible for disposing of waste in England. Somerset tops them all with a recycling rate of 50.9%. The figure includes all waste and recycling collected at the kerbside, as well as materials deposited at the county’s 18 Household Waste Recycling Centres.
Much of the credit for this success is being given to local residents, who have worked hard all year round to make sure Somerset recycles a higher percentage of waste than any other county in the country.
In addition, Somerset were only out performed by two authorities in the important measure of the lowest levels of “residual household waste” (that is the amount of waste sent to landfill after recyclables have been removed).
Among the district councils in Somerset, Taunton Deane were 19th of 273 collection authorities for recycling rates (49.3%), with South Somerset close behind at 20th (49.0%). South Somerset reversed positions for lowest household residual waste, coming in 2nd with 361kg/hh, while Taunton Deane were 4th with 375kg/hh and Mendip District came in an impressive 12th with 446kg/hh. The recycling rates were boosted by strong performances across Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs).
HWRCs are managed by Somerset Waste Partnership on behalf of Somerset County Council. Hazel Prior-Sankey, SCC’s executive portfolio holder for the Environment and deputy-chair of the Somerset Waste Board was delighted by the performance. “Whether it’s recycling at kerbside or at recycling centres people in Somerset have shown time and time again they are committed to doing the best for their local environment. The figures prove what we always thought – they are simply the best and I’m very pleased to see that the systems and services put in place by local councils through Somerset Waste Partnership are working hard on their behalf.”
Chair of the Somerset Waste Board, Nigel Woollcombe-Adams added “These figures make impressive reading and it’s also a tribute to forward thinking local authorities who put excellent service above political differences. We look forward, economic climate permitting, to improving next year.”
For more information on recycling and waste in Somerset, including advice on how you can reduce the amount you produce, log on to www.somersetwaste.gov.uk
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
About the Somerset Waste Partnership:
The Somerset Waste Partnership manages waste and recycling services on behalf of Mendip, South Somerset, Sedgemoor and West Somerset District Councils, Taunton Deane Borough Council and Somerset County Council.
Top 5 Counties 2007/8
Authority Authority Type HH recycling & composting rate % (82a+b)
1 Somerset Disposal 50.90
2 Lincolnshire Disposal 50.55
3 Cambridgeshire Disposal 50.30
4 Leicestershire Disposal 48.44
5 Devon Disposal 47.06
The national average recycling rate for the period was 34.5%
Media Contact:
For enquires about the Somerset Waste Partnership, please contact Mark Blaker, Senior Communications Officer on 01823 625714.
18 November 2008
For further details contact Mark Blaker
01823 625714
Email: mark.blaker@somersetwaste.gov.uk
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