Blue bin reminder for Ribble Valley residents

Stickers have been placed on the lids of the blue bins advising householders what can and cannot be recycled.

Posters have also being displayed on the sides of Ribble Valley Borough Council refuse collection vehicles outlining the dos and don'ts of recycling.

Robert Thompson, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council's community services committee, said: "Residents are recycling far more, which is fantastic, but unfortunately non-recyclable plastics are finding their way into blue wheelie bins.

"The recyclable market will only accept plastic bottles, but no other plastic containers, such as pots, trays, bags and carrier bags, and while most plastic containers now carry a recycling symbol there are no local markets or sorting facilities for them.

"I would like to thank residents for their growing support for recycling in Ribble Valley, but more can be done to ensure the correct recyclables enter blue bins. Together we can make our valley even greener."

UK households produce over 30million tonnes of waste a year, of which around 40 per cent is recycled, compared to 70 per cent in other European countries.

Now the EU is implementing strict recycling targets of 50 per cent across Europe by 2020.

Robert Thompson added: "Recycling conserves raw materials and protects natural habitats, reduces the need for mining, quarrying and logging, and refining and processing raw materials, all of which create substantial air and water pollution.

"Although the UK's recycling rates have increased considerably in recent years, there is still a considerable way to go and Ribble Valley Borough Council is determined to increase and improve recycling in the borough."

The following items can be placed in blue bins: Glass bottles and jars, food and drinks cans, aerosols, clean foil, plastic bottles, such as milk, mineral water, fizzy drinks, shampoo, household cleaners and empty medicine.

The following items cannot be placed in blue bins: Paper, card and cardboard, textiles, crockery, food trays or bags, plastic pots or tubs, carrier bags, waxed drinks cartons and any other form of plastic.

Picture: Robert Thompson (left), with Ribble Valley Borough Council's waste management officer, Peter McGeorge