Ealing Recycling Rates at All time High

New figures show the borough to be 'greener' than ever

Ealing’s recycling rates have hit an all time high, reaching an annual figure of 35% for the first time.

In 2008/09 more than 40,000 tonnes of rubbish has been saved from going straight to landfill, almost 7,000 tonnes more than last year.

Local people recycled 26,628 tonnes through green boxes and recycling sites, an increase of 7% on the previous year, and 14,528 tonnes of organic waste, a massive 56% increase.

The introduction of household collections for mixed plastics has also helped increase the recycling rates.

In the past 12 months a total of 1,623 tonnes of plastics have been recycled, which is equivalent to the weight of more than 40 million plastic bottles.

The recent expansion of wood recycling at Acton and Greenford re-use and recycling centres to include MDF and low quality timber has resulted in 112% more wood being saved from landfill. Plasterboard can also now be recycled at Greenford.
The improvements to garden waste collection schemes also have proved to be particularly successful. Collection of garden waste more than doubled in 2008/09, increasing by 109%.

Councillor Sue Emment, Cabinet member for Environment and Street Services, said: “It is great to see the difference that can be made when we all work together to reduce the amount of waste going directly to landfill.

“Residents have made a spectacular effort to recycle so much, but we want to see these levels continue to rise. As the weather is getting warmer people will especially benefit from using their food recycling bins to deter animals from getting into bin bags and prevent the food creating a smell.

“The council will also continue to improve its recycling services, including the recently announced expansion of services to schools to recycle food waste and cardboard.”

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July 2, 2009