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Whitehill Online Recycling Month

Whitehill online has decided that for the next 4 weeks we are going to adopt a feature which affects us all, both in the short and long term. That is why we feel that the issue of recycling is very important and deserves promoting.

Everyone in the local area should have a Blue Box, which has been provided by the Council which should be used to place recyclable products such as Paper, Glass, Tins and Clothes. This box will be collected every fortnight and if you need information on your collection dates, we suggest that you contact Newcastle Borough Council.

The above are not the only products that can be recycled, Motor Oil, Plastic, Garden Waste and Electronic Goods can all be recycled. The best way to recycle sometimes is to reuse - this can be as simple as buying a bay for life at your local supermarket or upgrading your old pc instead of buying a brand new one.

You may ask why should I recycle? Well the answer is simple - it is the only way that we will survive in the future. Many European Countries charge to collect non-recyclable household waste, and many feel that system will be adopted in the UK very shortly.

The most emotive way to get across the message is in the fiscal issue, if we don’t recycle more - TAXES WILL RISE. This is because the cost of landfill is very expensive, due to the fact that the Government places heavy taxes on this method of waste disposal plus combine that with the fact that no-one wants to live near to a landfill site.

We hope that reading above has encouraged you to think different about your waste. We have started a special Forum where we want to hear your comments on recycling, plus we are also running a special Poll to get your views on this issue.

---- Update ----

Since going live with the original recycling month article Mary Maxfield kindly provided Whitehill Online with details of the Council’s current position and future plans on the issue of recycling.

Many suggestions have been made to the Council regarding how to increase our recycling rate, these are;

• Providing recycling facilities for plastic, cardboard and green waste

• Investigating the cost of providing green waste wheelie bins

• Investigate the possibility of introducing fortnightly household collections and fortnightly green waste collections

• Identify sites in the area for people who do not recycle at home

• Providing an education programme to encourage recycling

• Providing a green waste collection free of charge or for a small amount per year (eg. £15)

• Devising a Waste Management Strategy which is not in place at the moment.

None of the above suggestions have been agreed, but the Council needs to act fast. Mary has pointed out that not even a Pilot Scheme for say 3000 properties would increase the Council’s targets.

It must be pointed out that Mary Maxfield is assisting with her group members to develop this strategy, and she is keen to hear your views and comments on this issue. Please visit our Forum to share your views on this issue, and your comments/feedback will be passed on to the Council group dealing with this issue.