Buxton Water launches recycle on-the-go initiative

Buxton Natural Mineral Water has unveiled its first recycling on-the-go initiative with the launch of 18 ‘Recycle Stations' and one bring site in its home town.

The initiative, which was announced earlier this week (July 27), is designed to increase recycling opportunities in Buxton, with plans to install 26 Recycle Stations in total by the end of August 2010. Further stations are planned to be unveiled later in the year.

The project is being delivered by Buxton in partnership with plastics recycling organisation Recoup and High Peak borough council. Nestlé Waters acquired Buxton in 1992 and it is one of the fastest growing bottled water brands in the UK.

The inaugural Recycle Station was opened by the High Peak Mayor, Councillor Graham Oakley, who said: “The recycle-on-the-go initiative is the first of its kind to launch in Buxton.

“The campaign objectives to increase awareness of recycling on the go and deliver an uplift of recyclable material will position Buxton as a more sustainably conscious town.”

The move by Buxton comes following rival drinks manufacturer Coca-Cola Enterprises committing to introducing 80 on-the-go Recycle Zones across Great Britain by the end of 2011 – which have already proved a success in areas such as central London (see letsrecycle.com story). It also follows the advice of plastics recycling organisation Recoup, of which Nestlé Waters is a member.

Emily Ford, project officer at Recoup, said: “Buxton Natural Mineral Water spotted an opportunity for on the go recycling to be introduced in Buxton, and we are delighted that we have had the opportunity to work together to make the initiative a reality. Crucially, through providing an opportunity for people to recycle out of home, we will reduce volumes of waste going to landfill.”

Sections 

Each Recycle Station has three sections; one for general waste, one for cans, and one for plastic bottles. Each bin is made on a bespoke basis, clearly labelled with Recycle Station and Buxton Natural Mineral Water branding.

The ‘bring' site Recycle Station meanwhile collects plastic bottles, yogurt pots, plastic plant pots, margarine, ice cream, and microwaveable tubs.

Paolo Sangiorgi, chief executive of Nestlé Waters UK, said, “Buxton Natural Mineral Water takes its commitment to the environment very seriously and we want to help make recycling easier for people in Buxton, the home of our water. As an on-going commitment, we will continue to develop recycling facilities in Buxton and the Peak District.”

Ten of the Buxton Recycle Stations are located at Spring Gardens, three are outside Buxton Opera House, four at Poole's Cavern and the bring site Recycle Station is at Fairfield Community Centre.

An extra 15 Recycle Stations are to be installed over the next few months including at Buxton infant school, Buxton festival office, and St Anne's catholic primary school.