Looks like we are finally getting the message. New figures show a big drop in the amount of waste from across Bath and North East Somerset being sent to landfill.
Thanks to the record-breaking recycling efforts of residents just 3% of waste was sent to landfill in 2020/21, down from 15% the previous year.
Councillor David Wood, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “This really is a phenomenal achievement, and the figures show our residents take environmental issues seriously. We should be very proud of the work being done across the district to reuse and recycle – and that includes the efforts of our waste teams who do a great job.”
“However, our ultimate aim is to waste nothing and we will continue to support people to reduce their waste; sharing tips on the small steps that can be taken to save resources and ultimately save our environment.”
Bath and North East Somerset achieved a 59.2% Reuse, Recycling and Composting rate last year. The amount of recycling collected from green boxes and blue bags in the district increased by almost 22% and food waste by 15%.
Councillor Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader and cabinet member for Climate and Sustainable Travel said: “I’m really encouraged by the huge strides we have made to divert waste from landfill, residents have really embraced the reduce, reuse, recycle and compost message and I applaud them for their efforts.
“Burying our rubbish results in the release of greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming so it really should be a last resort. Our aim is to send nothing to landfill. It is achievable and I’d encourage everyone to do their bit to help us reach our goal.”
To make the best use of space in recycling containers and to help crews with efficient collections, residents are asked to:
- Sort green boxes to help speed up collections – follow Recycle for Bathnes on Facebook for tips
- Wash and squash materials such as plastics to make more space and keep containers as clean as possible
Things that cannot be collected in recycling:
- Black plastic, polystyrene, plastic film or hard plastics such as toys or hangers
- Cardboard should have any plastic, sticky tape and polystyrene removed
- Nappies cannot be recycled – do not put them in your green box
- Wrapping paper (including Christmas paper)
Find out more about the council’s rubbish and recycling services
