Make recycling your goal during the World Cup

The biggest event in the football calendar is about to kick off, and Rochdale Borough Council and Recycle for Greater Manchester are urging residents to support Greater Manchester and put it at the top of the recycling league during the World Cup.

As local residents stock up on refreshments and food ready to cheer on England during the tournament, up and down the country millions of cans, plastic and glass bottles are expected to be thrown away.

That’s why the council wants local people to use their light green recycling bins to dispose of cans, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles and tin foil, and their blue bins or bags to throw away any paper, cardboard and tetra packs. And if they’re full, you can visit your local household waste disposal site with your excess recyclable waste.

If you’re not sure what rubbish goes in what bin, just refer to your new bin collection calendar. If you haven’t yet received your new calendar call 0845 226 1800 or email recycling@rochdale.gov.uk

In line with the current Love Food Hate Waste promotions which are ongoing throughout Greater Manchester, residents are also encouraged to consider portion sizes during their World Cup parties. Try and think of ways to use up any leftovers, for example using sausages, chicken and any other leftover meats in a pasta dish or vegetables in soups.

Unlike the England team - who are one of the favourites to lift the World Cup this year - the UK’s recycling figures lag behind other nations. Currently, the champion recycler is Switzerland, while Austria and Germany follow closely behind. Although the UK’s recycling levels are improving, and have more than trebled since 1997 when only 7% of waste was recycled, it is very important this progress is maintained.

Andy Shaw, recycling manager at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Many would argue the World Cup is the biggest sporting event there is and it’s great so many people get involved and are passionate. Big events like this are also an opportunity to spread messages of recycling and how we can help to make this country the best it can be in all ways.”

“I like to be as passionate about recycling as I am about football and hope that others feel the same. The World Cup is an important part of the football calendar, but recycling should be a priority throughout the year.”

Recycling in Greater Manchester has never been easier. The Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA) has seen the redevelopment or complete rebuild of eighteen of its Household Waste Recycling Centres in the past year, including Chichester Street in Rochdale, Springvale in Middleton and Peel Lane in Heywood, in a drive to increase recycling levels throughout the region. For more information and to find your nearest household waste disposal site go to www.rochdale.gov.uk/recycling or go to www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com