Kerbside plastics recycling to be introduced in Cheltenham

Liberal Democrat Councillor Roger Whyborn, Cheltenham Borough Council Cabinet Member for Waste and Sustainability has announced that he will be bringing a proposal to the Borough Council's Cabinet to start collecting plastic bottles as part of the kerbside box recycling scheme.

Cllr Whyborn said "This will further reduce the amount of Cheltenham's household waste which is sent to landfill. The scheme will start rolling out in phases across Cheltenham from April until October.

"Council officers have come up with a plan which involves reorganising the Swindon Road depot which will save a lot of vehicle mileage, and reduce the council's carbon footprint by 68 tonnes per year.

"Members of the public should notice less queuing of vehicles when they visit the recycling centre. The only downside will be that the public area of the depot will be moved outside to the open air.

"Because recycled waste will be taken to the Swindon Road instead of Stoke Orchard, there will be a reduction in the number of Council lorries carrying recycled waste through the residential areas around Swindon village and a saving of £27,000 a year will be made.

"The ability to recycle plastic bottles at the kerbside is something which the public has wanted for some time. Along with recycling of cardboard, it fulfils what the Liberal Democrat administration promised in its 2008 election manifesto."

Cllr Klara Sudbury added "These plans are great news for Charlton Park residents and for Cheltenham. The results of local residents surveys I have undertaken have shown an overwhelming number of people want plastic recycling collection. If you are having difficulty fitting all your recycling in your green box, please contact me and I will ask for a new one to be delivered to you free of charge."