The council is installing banks for used drinks cartons at its seven recycling centres in each of its main towns. The news follows the move by Fife-based paper manufacturer Smith Anderson installed equipment for recycling used drinks cartons at its Fettykil mill in summer 2003.
Smith Anderson provides the collections and a compactor for the council to use in its recycling depot to sort and bale up the cartons. In return, the paper company keeps the used material for reprocessing.
Innovative
Council environmental services convener Joy Mowatt said: “The authority already has the accolade of being the second best recycler out of 32 local authorities in Scotland and innovative projects like this help to cement its excellent reputation as a top recycling area.”
Commercial director of Smith Anderson Mark Bradley said: “This is the first commercial recycling site in Scotland for the processing of cartons and continues our commitment to find alternative fibre sources and by doing so benefiting the environment.”
Angus currently recycles about 23.8% of its waste, although it had a target of 25% to meet by 2002/03.
The recycling centre bins will be located next to cardboard box recycling banks, where residents frequently left cartons previously. Special banks will also be placed at neighbourhood recycling points and in 10 schools that also collect bottles and cans. The council has no official estimate for how many tonnes the carton banks will collect.
Brighton
Meanwhile, Magpie Recycling claims to be the first kerbside collection in the UK to include drinks cartons. Six months on from the first carton collection in March 2003, the cooperate group has reported a positive response from householders.
Magpie bales the cartons, which Smith Anderson then picks up and hauls for free. When recycled, the paper can be used to make paper products such as stationery, tissue and board.
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