Last year’s figures show that we are now recycling nearly a quarter of our waste, which based upon 2002/3 performance would put East Sussex County Council firmly in the top 10 per cent of waste disposal authorities in the country.
Councillor Matthew Lock, Lead Member for Transport & Environment, is delighted at the news. "Over the last few years our recycling performance has steadily improved, thanks to local people using the kerbside collections provided by the borough and district councils and our much improved facilities at Household Waste Recycling Sites.”
In 1999/00 the recycling rate was just 8 per cent compared to 2003/04 figures which are at an all time high of 23 per cent. Our 25 year contract with Onyx will see new and improved waste and recycling facilities rolled out across the county. The first new Household Waste Recycling Site will open for Crowborough residents in early October.
By improving facilities, promoting waste issues and giving out information about waste management generally, the County Council is working hard to achieve the target of recycling 27% per cent of household waste by 2005/06
Councillor Lock continued: "Waste is everyone’s responsibility. Our landfill sites are almost full and people have to consider that everything they throw out has to go somewhere. We will be continuing our drive to promote waste issues and encouraging residents to take responsibility for the future environment of East Sussex by reducing, reusing and recycling their waste.
Notes to editors
The 25 year contract between East Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council and Onyx is a long-term solution to tackling waste through recycling, composting and recovery of energy from waste.
Reference:
04/276/TH
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