Recycling rates doubled in two years

Rochdale’s recycling rates have more than doubled thanks to resident’s efforts. According to latest figures, recycling has shot up from 16.8% in 2006/2007 to its current rate of 35% in just two years.

Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Wera Hobhouse said: “This is tremendous news for our borough and it shows that we are serious about improving our environment. Our immediate aim is to meet our target of 50% recycling by 2011 but our long-term aim is to become the best recycling borough in the whole of Greater Manchester.

“It is important we remember that under the EU landfill initiative, this borough will be wasting tax payers money on landfill charges if recycling is not increased further. We, as a council, will continue to make improvements to existing services and look at all possible new recycling options for further diverting waste from landfill.”

The figures were unveiled in a notice of motion at a Rochdale Council meeting on Wednesday (15 October).

Councillor Peter Rush, who seconded the motion, took time to thank the residents for their efforts, saying: “I would like to thank the people in my ward and across Heywood for the unbelievable dedication they have shown to recycling. They have led the way and I am truly grateful for the example they have set.”

Leader of the Conservative group, Councillor Ashley Dearnley echoed the sentiments of Councillor Rush saying: “I would also like to congratulate the people of this borough on their efforts. They are the ones that do the work for us and I look forward to this borough becoming not only the best recycling borough in Greater Manchester but also across the country.”

Middleton’s Labour Councillor, Terry Lindon, added: “My experience in my own ward is that there is a collective will for recycling and everyone wants to get involved. I would like to ask the council to make sure that everyone is given this opportunity by making sure collections run on time and new bins that may be needed are promptly replaced.”