Waste warriors celebrate

Green scheme success

A NEW kerbside recycling service has been hailed a success, with an estimated 22 tonnes of paper, glass and cans collected during the first week alone.

Stage one of the district council's green scheme was introduced on Monday last week to around 4,500 homes in Sandwich, Ash, Eastry, Worth, Preston and Wingham.

Cllr Mrs Marian Munt, cabinet member for the environment, said: "We were delighted at the level of community support for the new collection service.

"The launch was a resounding success." Cllr Mrs Munt and council leader Cllr Peter Wells went along to lend a hand on the first new round in Sandwich.

Recyclable materials are collected fortnightly, using special black plastic boxes supplied by the council to the homes concerned.

The black boxes are made from 100 per cent recycled plastic and are supplied free of charge.

The new kerbside scheme builds on the council's existing recycling centres that remain in use.

Council cabinet members joined the council's green team, including waste resources officer Melanie Powell, during the first week of the scheme, working alongside contractors SITA to test out the new rounds and listen to comments.

Sandwich resident Diane Williams said: "It's a wonderful idea, we're absolutely delighted with it."

Cllr Mrs Munt added: "Currently around 39,000 tonnes of household waste is collected each year and disposed of to landfill from within the Dover district - it's vital that we get recycling and this represents a fantastic start."

Cllr Wells said: "We knew that doorstep recycling was a service that our residents wanted, and we were delighted to be able to introduce it."

A further phase, including some homes in the Deal area, will be introduced in October and in the following years the scheme will be developed across the district to include as many residents has possible.

RECYCLERS: Bob Groombridge, Mick O'Callaghan and Brian Pevy, of SITA with council waste resources officer Melanie Powell; Vince Gorroley, SITA's Les Coleman and council waste management officer Paul Jaconelli Ref: pd 153059