From the Borough Recycling Newsletter (Twickenham & Richmond Liberal Democrats)

From the Borough Recycling Newsletter

September 25, 2009 6:35 PM

chart CLLR Geoff Acton asks residents to help reduce the Borough's landfill tax bill.

"Dear Resident.

I am writing to thank you for your help in the last year that has enabled our borough to increase its household recycling rate from 32 % in 2006 to 42 % today This is a considerable achievement which keeps us among the top four recycling boroughs in London.

Now we have a new challenge and I am also asking for your help in the year ahead. The government charges us for every tonne of waste we send to landfill so now we need to concentrate on reducing how much waste we produce in the first place.

Across the borough we aim to reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill by 2 % over the next year. That equates to about 10 kilograms for every household - that's roughly half a pound of rubbish per household per week in old money or one large hamburger to put it a different way! And if we all manage this we will save nearly £100,000 - money that can be ploughed into services rather than a hole in the ground. An easy way to start is by recycling your food waste - the average household produces over 2 kg per week:

So the message is simple - please keep recycling as much as possible but now try and reduce the amount of waste you produce in the first place.

I am confident we can reach our target. Listed below are some some useful tips on reducing waste but if you have more questions please get in touch with out waste and recycling team on 08456 122660; if you want to know more go online to: http://www.richchmond.gov.uk/reduce_and_reuse

Alternatively feel free to get in touch with me directly if I can be of any assistance.

Yours sincerely

Cllr Geoff Acton

Cabinet Member for the Environment"

Top Reduce & Reusing Tips

• Instead of throwing out your unwanted items, try selling them at a car boot or garage sale. Or go to: http://wwwfreecycle.org/ richmond-upon-thames

• Donate unwanted clothing, household items and books to a charity shop, and also shop there.

• When shopping, look for longer-lasting products that are reusable, refillable or rechargeable.

• Keep your old shopping bags for reuse.

• Reuse envelopes, wrapping paper and gift bags.

• Store fruit and veg in the fridge to extend its life.

• Leftover dinner can be lunch the next day.

• Go to http://www.lovetoodhatewaste. com for leftover meal recipes.

• Always plan your weekly meals, write a shopping list and stick to it .

Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats: