Recycling of plastic increases by almost 20 per cent in West Sussex

Recycling of plastic materials has increased by almost 20 per cent in West Sussex following new rules introduced earlier this year.
Ford recycling plant where materials from across West Sussex are recycledFord recycling plant where materials from across West Sussex are recycled
Ford recycling plant where materials from across West Sussex are recycled

Around 834 tonnes of plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays has been collected in the county since March, up from around 700 tonnes collected in the same period in 2014.

Out of this total, more than 187 tonnes has come from pots, tubs and trays, which were not collected before changes to the recycling service in West Sussex earlier this year.

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David Barling (Con, Bramber Castle), West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for residents’ services, said: “This is brilliant news and I am delighted to see people in West Sussex have been embracing the changes to our recycling service.

“But we can always do more – it’s estimated that, nationally, plastic packaging makes up 11 per cent of household waste so why not take a look around your kitchen and bathroom and see what else you could add to your recycling bin?

“Cosmetic pots, detergent bottles and even plastic packaging for toys – it can all be added, along with your yoghurt pots and ice cream tubs.

“But please do make sure they are clean, dry and loose before you add them to your recycling bin – that means free from food or liquid leftovers and not bundled up with other items in bags or boxes.”

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Recycled plastic can be used to create clothes, toys, kitchen utensils, pens and even garden furniture.

Plastics that can be recycled in West Sussex include:

• Milk and drinks bottles

• Bathroom bottles

• Laundry/detergent bottles and tubs

• Yoghurt, cream and soup pots

• Ice cream and margarine tubs

• Cosmetic pots and tubs

• Food and ready meal trays

• Fruit and vegetable punnets and

• Plastic container lids (such as those used on coffee jars).

But there are still a few plastic items that cannot be accepted in household recycling in West Sussex.

These include:

• Plastic carrier bags and plastic film;

• Plastic bottle tops (such as those used on drinks bottles or milk bottles);

• Expanded polystyrene;

• Plant pots and seed trays;

• Plastic toys; and

• Plastic furniture.

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