The scheme would be based around site operatives taking items directly from residents' cars and sorting them into the appropriate areas. The council hopes that because the drivers would not have to leave their cars, it would be a “cleaner, more streamlined service”.
Councillor David Woods said: “Drive-Thru will offer a quicker, cleaner, more convenient way to recycle unwanted items, as well as a highly visible way of demonstrating the council’s commitment to driving forward a green agenda for the city.”
The idea is based on similar schemes in the US and Australia. Hull's new facility would accept a wide range of recyclable materials including glass, paper, cans, books, textiles metal, wood, cardboard, plastic bottles as well as CDs and electrical items.
The council also hopes to add to the list: carrier bags, household batteries, cartons, spectacles, printer cartridges and computers.
Sites being considered for the new recycling centre include redundant petrol station and existing premises near supermarkets. Currently the council is securing a lease and a competition is being held for schoolchildren to name the centre. The council should announce in May the building of the new facility, which they hope will open by early next year.
Clive Carr, managing director of Waste Recycling Group’s East Division said: “Our experience shows that if you make the process of recycling and recovering waste much easier, and increase the opportunities to do so, then members of the public will respond very positively and recycling rates quickly increase.”
The Waste Recycling Group has a 25 year joint contract with Hull city council and the neighbouring East Riding of Yorkshire council. The Hull contract is worth 6million a year and finishes in 2024.
The city currently recycles about 9% of its household waste. This new scheme would form part of the council’s plans to reach recycling targets of 14% by 2003-4 and 21% by 2005-2006.
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