Why putting the right waste in the right bin matters

As part of Recycle Week (14 to 20 September), Councillor Kevin Parry, Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Recycling and Streetscene visited Swindon's Household Waste and Recycling Centre to see first-hand what happens to the borough's waste and recycling after it leaves residents’ homes.

The Council collects food waste and recycling from more than 100,000 homes and communal properties every week and over the past year, the Council collected more than 52,000 tonnes of recycling. In addition, 4,900 tonnes of food waste was sent to Codford Biogas, near Salisbury, where it was transformed into renewable biogas and nutrient-rich fertiliser for farmland.

During the visit, Cllr Parry was shown examples of recyclable materials that still regularly end up in general waste bins. From a small sample of bins inspected during Recycle Week, food waste continues to be thrown out with general waste. Previous analysis of household waste in Swindon found that food waste alone accounts for more than a quarter of recyclable material found in wheelie bins.

Every tonne of waste that is recycled saves the Council more than £150 in disposal costs. This amounts to approximately £1m annually, helping ensure more money can be spent on delivering local services.

During his visit, Cllr Parry also saw the wide range of items brought to the Household Waste and Recycling Centre, from electrical goods and furniture to more unusual items such as musical instruments and fishing equipment. Where possible, suitable items are sold through the centre’s regular auctions and reused rather than thrown away.

Councillor Kevin Parry said: “Residents do a fantastic job recycling and I’m grateful for the efforts people already make.

“But during my visit I was reminded that too many recyclable items are still ending up in rubbish bins, particularly food waste.

“Every time recyclable material goes into the wrong bin, we lose the opportunity to turn it into something useful and it costs more to dispose of.

“At a time when councils are under pressure to deliver value for taxpayers, it makes sense to recycle as much as possible. Every tonne recycled instead of thrown away saves more than £150 in disposal costs, money that can be invested in local services.

“My message is simple: if you’re not sure which bin something belongs in, check before you chuck. Putting the right waste in the right bin is one of the easiest ways residents can help keep Swindon cleaner, greener and better value for money.”

Residents are reminded to wash, squash and recycle items loose. Recycling placed in bags can cause problems during sorting and may prevent materials from being recycled. To find out more about where waste can be recycled, residents should access the Council’s online Waste Wizard.