Rushcliffe residents praised for continued glass recycling at bring banks
Last updated: 17/7/2023
Residents in Rushcliffe have been praised for continuing to recycle glass at the Borough’s bring banks and plans to potentially introduce kerbside collections at home could be confirmed in the future.
A motion at a Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) meeting on Thursday (July 13) debated the latest on recycling the material and highlighted changes could be made in due course in line with central government’s requirements under the new Environment Act.
Whilst the plans are awaiting to be finalised, residents were thanked for recycling over 2,500 tonnes of glass a year at the extensive range of bring sites across the borough which contributes towards Rushcliffe having the best recycling rate in Nottinghamshire.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “Thank you to residents for your continued brilliant efforts to recycle glass.
“Your commitment to recycling is hugely appreciated and I have raised our concerns over the delay in government direction on new kerbside collection arrangements, the potential impact on Rushcliffe and the time taken with our local MP, Ruth Edwards who is engaged and will push for clarification on the detail, timescales and funding for local authorities.
“Remember, every time you recycle glass at a bring bank you can be assured that 100% of this valuable resource will be recycled back into glass products which will be back on a shop shelf within six weeks.
“This process is not always possible in other areas where glass is mixed with other glass or other recyclables and this glass is often then turned into generic products such as road aggregate.
“Our separate three compartment vehicle ensures the glass remains colour separated and it is then stored and sold back to the reprocessor where it is recycled back into glass bottles and jars.
“Your efforts mean our glass recycling rate is highly comparable to many kerbside collection schemes in other councils.
“Going forward, we are working with other key partners including the County Council and other Nottinghamshire districts as we await significant changes and direction to how waste collections will delivered under the new Environmental Act.
“These may include changes to how we collect and separate out food waste and greater national consistency over what can be recycled in your blue bin.
“These possible changes could mean a significant redesign for our waste collection service including assessing our current vehicle fleet and what we may need moving forward.
“We will ensure residents are kept informed once we have a clear direction of when any changes may apply.
“In the meantime thank you again for continuing to play your part and recycling your glass into the green, brown and clear glass containers at the bring banks.”