Plastics recycling has dramatically increased in the London borough of Kingston – up 43% as a result of improved plastic waste collection measures introduced last October.
Plastic collections have risen from 70 tonnes a month on average to 100 tonnes, the equivalent of eight more lorry loads taken to be recycled instead of being dumped in expensive landfill sites, according to Councillor Sharon Hartley, Kingston Council's lead member for sustainability.
Over a full year, this will save the council nearly £50,000 in waste disposal – money that can be spent on other essential services, she added.
“The response to the new service has been fantastic,” Hartley explained. “Recycling plastics is so important. By saving precious resources and further reducing pollution, residents also save council tax payers money.”