Why are we not recycling plastics in the kerbside
scheme?
Plastic is not currently accepted in the kerbside collection
recycling box. This is due to a number of reasons.
Merchants/Processors
There are a large number of different types of plastics.
Locally there is only one merchant willing to accept plastics, but
only plastic bottles, and there are no local processors to make a
final product. There are merchants and processors further afield
willing to accept other types of plastics, but this would require
further separation of material and transportation. The costs of
doing so at this stage far outweigh the benefits.
Government Targets
The council has government targets that have to be met
regarding the collection of recyclable materials. These targets are
based on the weight of materials collected. To meet these targets
by collecting plastic would be extremely difficult due to it being
lightweight. The priority at this stage must therefore be to
recycle paper, glass, cans and garden waste.
Logistics
The large volume of plastic bottles means that a large amount
of space is taken up in the collection vehicle. The vehicle only
has three compartments and a limited amount of compartment space
for each collected material, and if filled with plastic, would
reduce the size of the collection round that the vehicle would be
able to complete. If the collection vehicle has to return to be
emptied more frequently, the area that would be covered would have
to be smaller. Therefore by not collecting plastic at this stage,
we are able to have a paper, glass and can collection from a larger
area.
When is it likely that plastic may be
collected?
Whilst at this particular time it is not feasible to collect
plastics, all options for future collections will be appraised. Any
potential to collect plastic in future in future will be taken at
the earliest opportunity.
Current plastic bottle recycling options
available
Plastic bottles can be recycled at the following recycling
sites:
- Gatherley Road, Brompton-on-Swale
- Nuns Close car park, Richmond
- Main car park, Leyburn
- Co-op, Richmond
- Nun's Close car park, Richmond
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Last updated:
07 December 2006
