"It is a shame the Government moved the goalposts and denied residents the official recognition they deserve – but we know that people in Wiltshire are doing a magnificent job when it comes to recycling"
Toby Sturgis, Wiltshire County Council cabinet member for planning and waste
Trowbridge, England, UK: More of Wiltshire's waste is being recycled than ever before, according to new figures from the county council.
In addition waste going to landfill and waste generated by households have shown decreases.
However a change in government rules has stopped the county from breaking the 40% barrier for the percentage of household waste recycled.
The change of heart by central government means that the household recycling rate stands at 36.67% compared to 38.08% last year.
Government decided in the middle of last year that 8,756 tonnes of treated wood taken to household recycling centres by residents could not be counted towards the official recycling rate. The wood is taken by waste contractor Hills, chipped and re-used as a landfill cover.
Wiltshire CC argued that if it was not used for cover, then some other material would have to perform that job. The Government changed an earlier decision and ruled that the wood had gone to landfill. The material could not therefore be included in the official recycling figures.
The county council would have achieved a household recycling rate of 40.56% if the wood had been included and in addition household waste sent to landfill should have fallen below 150,000 tonnes.
The county council's waste contractor, Hills Waste Solutions, is now seeking alternative markets for the wood to ensure it contributes to recycling in future years.
Wiltshire County Council says the figures are a testament to the enthusiasm and hard work of residents in making the most of their waste and recycling services.
Toby Sturgis, Wiltshire County Council cabinet member for planning and waste, said:
“It is a shame the Government moved the goalposts and denied residents the official recognition they deserve – but we know that people in Wiltshire are doing a magnificent job when it comes to recycling.
“Just as pleasing is that these figures show clearly that we are producing less waste in the first place. At a time when the population of Wiltshire is increasing we’re actually reducing the overall amount of rubbish going into the ground. It means we’re definitely on the right path.
“The extension of kerbside collections in the south of the county, the promotion of composting and the campaigns to get people to reduce food waste are all playing their part.
Mr Sturgis concluded, “I’d like to thank people in Wiltshire for their efforts. It gives us a tremendous platform to go forward when the new unitary authority takes control next year.”
Further information
For more information visit www.recycleforwiltshire.com .