New recycling bins
05 March 2009
NEW litter bins encouraging people to recycle are starting to appear in various locations around Castle Point.
The instantly-recognisable bins extend the highly successful pink bag scheme, allowing people to recycle plastic, paper, cardboard and cans. Half of the bin is painted pink for recyclables, while the other half is black and can be used for all other waste.
The bins are being introduced as part of a trial by Castle Point Borough Council. At present, almost 30 tonnes of rubbish are collected from litter bins in Castle Point each month – equivalent to the weight of 150 elephants every year.
The new bins are being placed in main shopping areas across the borough, with 15 bins in total covering Canvey Island, Hadleigh, South Benfleet, Tarpots and Thundersley. If the trial is a success, more of the bins will be installed around the borough.
Cllr Ray Howard, cabinet member for waste and the environment, said: “These bins are very eye-catching and I hope they encourage people to recycle even more.
“Many of the things people put in a litter bin are recyclable, like newspapers, drinks cans and bottles. Putting those items in the pink side of the new bins is such a simple way to help the environment.”
Litter put in the black side of the bin will go to landfill like existing waste. However items placed in the pink side will be sorted for recycling.
Castle Point Borough Council is working on the scheme with the support of its street cleansing contractor, Pinnacle.