Essex achieves 2% reduction in household waste

The first-ever reduction in the county's generation of household waste came as the county hit government recycling targets by reaching a 32% recycling rate in 2005/06.

” Recycling and composting is key to the way we manage waste in Essex; it is an issue that will not disappear. “
– Cllr Peter Martin, Essex CC
The county published figures this week, showing that households recycled or composted almost 220,000 tonnes of waste from April 2005 to March 2006. All Essex districts and boroughs have improved their individual recycling performances and raised householder participation, the county said.

Essex householders had been producing more than 700,000 tonnes of waste each year, and growth rates in waste generation had averaged 3% for eight years leading up to 2005/06.

But the lastest figures put the generation of household waste at 687,177 tonnes – a decrease of more than 20,000 tonnes.

Councillor Peter Martin, cabinet member for planning, environment and culture, said householders were becoming more aware of waste issues because recycling services were being made easier.

He said: “Over the last year all Essex Councils have made significant improvements to kerbside collection services and recycling facilities, and Essex households have embraced these services by using them in ever increasing numbers. It is also a simple way to help keep our environment green and protect it for future generations.”

“Brilliant”
The councillor went on: “Recycling and composting is key to the way we manage waste in Essex; it is an issue that will not disappear and one which will grow in importance. The fact that as a county we have recycled more than ever is a brilliant achievement, one that we should all be very proud of. Essex is one of the leading counties when it comes to recycling and this latest news shows that we have every determination to get better.”

The county's 12 districts and boroughs offer a variety of different kerbside collection systems, some commingled, some source-separated, while the county also sees a strong performance from its network of household waste recycling centres.

Along with using various recycling services throughout the county, Essex householders have been encouraged to cut down on their waste through home composting and the use of washable nappies.