Recycling rates increase in Heywood

The recycling message looks to be getting through in Heywood following statistics announced by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) on behalf of Rochdale Council. Independent monitoring showed an increase in households recycling their rubbish via kerbside collections following the introduction of the Alternate Weekly Collection scheme.

The WRAP supported campaign, used to promote the new scheme, helped to boost participation rates in Heywood from 28% (using the previous kerbside box scheme) in 2007 to 76% this year. The research covered a sample of over 3000 homes in Hopwood, Heywood and Darnhill.

Councillor Wera Hobhouse, Lead member for Environment and Sustainability said it is fantastic news: "These figures really demonstrate how keen people are in Heywood on recycling. The new routine of alternate weekly collections and the extra kerbside facilities for recycling plastic and cardboard have made it easier for residents to recycle more."

WRAP works in partnership with local authorities to encourage and enable businesses and consumers to be more efficient in their use of materials and recycle more things more often. This helps to minimise landfill, reduce carbon emissions and improve the environment.