The incentive scheme called “Recycling Wins Prizes” has been developed by Cory in partnership with the local council, the Southend Observer and Tesco, in a bid to increase the amoung of recyclable materials collected.
To take part in the scheme, residents need to collect a prize draw coupons from Civic News, the council’s newspaper which is delivered to 73,000 homes each month. Residents must then complete a voucher and stick it to the inside of one of their recycling bags. Vouchers are taken from the bags at the material recycling facility and at the end of the month a winner is selected. The winner receives 100 worth of vouchers from Tesco, a gold sovereign from Cory and is featured in the local paper.
Emma Ricketts, the partnership recycling officer said: “The beauty of this scheme is that it’s fun, low cost and simple to run. The prize presentations and follow up articles ensure that recycling is frequently featured in the local press. A high public profile is vital to the success of any recycling initiative.”
The fortnightly recycling collection service has been running for two years and since then there has been a 50% increase in the amount of material recycled each month. But the council is looking to increase participation and tonnages and Councillor Ann Holland, executive councillor for public and environmental protection, said: “This scheme is a great way of bringing the whole community together to encourage recycling.”
Register for free to comment