Results show that October saw recycling rates at 45% - a 9% increase on the total for the same month last year, and an 11% increase on the total for October 2009 (34%).
Some of the points highlighted by the council include:
- Around 30,000 properties are now able to recycle under the new scheme
- The cost of the new containers and wheeled bins is being funded by Kent County Council out of the savings made from households recycling more
- New things residents can recycle include beverage cartons (Tetra Pak), batteries, empty aerosols, and all types of plastic packaging (pots, tubs and trays, but not plastic bags)
- 175 tonnes of food waste was collected in October from approximately 15,000 properties. If it was not recycled into compost it would have been thrown away
- Storing and putting waste out in bins stops it being attacked by seagulls and foxes, leaving less rubbish on the street after collections
- The joint service arrangements between Dover DC, Shepway DC and KCC are projected to save the partnership around £4m a year.
Cllr Nicholas Kenton, DDC Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste said: "These are fantastic results, and we thank all the householders who are helping us to protect the environment and recycle more. A recycling rate of 45%, while we are still rolling out the new service, is great news and shows we are on target for 50% or more. We look forward to continuing to work with residents to recycle even more for the future."
The new service includes the introduction of a weekly collection of food waste and an improved recycling collection. DDC is providing residents with new containers for food waste, and wheeled bins for the collection of a greater range of recyclables and for the fortnightly collection of the waste that householders have not been able to recycle.
If you have not received your new bins, the new scheme will be rolling out to properties up to January 2012. For more information, call 01304 872428.
