Now financial slump hits county's recycling efforts

A NATIONWIDE recycling slump caused by the current financial downturn has made its mark locally. The private contractor which processes the county s plastics which are difficult to recycle -- such as margarine tubs and yoghurt pots -- has announced that

A NATIONWIDE recycling slump caused by the current financial downturn has made its mark locally.

The private contractor which processes the county's plastics which are difficult to recycle -- such as margarine tubs and yoghurt pots -- has announced that it can no longer accept complex plastics for recycling due to a drop in their market prices.

Until the economic situation improves, Household Waste Recycling Centres across the county can only accept plastic bottles and rigid plastics such as garden furniture and toys for recycling. All other plastic waste will not be accepted by the district council's collection service.

In the St Albans district, these plastics were not picked up as part of the normal refuse collection but there were several sites where they could be left. They can still be put with the present packaging refuse which goes to landfill.

County Cllr Derrick Ashley, Executive Member for Planning, External Relations and Waste, said that he felt disheartened by the revelation: "We were well on track to not only meet but exceed many of our recycling targets and we're disappointed by this news as we're sure residents will also be."

He added: "We are aware that many other councils in the country share this problem, so we look forward to hearing how this issue will be addressed on a national level."

The county council is now encouraging Herts residents to deal with excess plastic waste in different ways, such as by avoiding products with excessive plastic wrapping and using plastic tubs for storage.

For tips on reducing and reusing plastic waste, visit www.wasteaware.org.