Redbridge Council have expanded what residents can recycle

Redbridge residents can now recycle more things (Pic-Redbridge Council)

Redbridge Council have announced an expansion to the things that residents are able to recycle. 

Residents will be able to recycle three new types of item as part of their weekly recycling collection. 

They will now be able to include the following in their green/black recycling box;

-Plastic pots, tubs and trays (e.g. yoghurt pots, margarine tubs, meat /ready meal trays and fruit/veg punnets – but no black plastic as it cannot be recycled).

-Empty aerosol cans

-Clean aluminium foil and foil trays.

The expansion comes following resident feedback and as part of its Waste Reduction Strategy, the council has been working with the East London Waste Authority (ELWA) – its waste disposal contractors – to get more items included in the list of recyclables they accept from Redbridge.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Civic Pride, Cllr Jo Blackman, said: “Our residents can now include even more items for recycling which would have otherwise gone into normal household waste.

“The expansion of our recyclable items is another important step towards driving down waste to create a cleaner and greener borough.

“Redbridge’s waste reduction strategy is seeing the council take the lead in reducing waste across the borough, from new initiatives including the introduction of wheelie bins and a drive to eliminate single use items from council buildings, to educational workshops and resources to help every household and business reduce, recycle and re-use.

“But it takes everyone working together to make a difference, so I encourage every household to increase the amount they recycle in line with the new changes.”    

Redbridge resident Mythili Mahendran, from Ilford, said: “I’ve been recycling for as long as I can remember! Looking after the environment and reducing the amount of waste we produce is a collective effort.

“Other than recycling, the most effective action you can take is stopping the use of single-use plastic wherever you can. It’s important we all have open and honest conversations with each other about what we can do collectively to tackle green issues. We all have a part to play and working together we are stronger!”

Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, said: “From 27 September, residents in Redbridge will be able to recycle more items than ever before as part of our Waste Reduction Strategy.

“Waste is a significant source of carbon emissions and I am thrilled that we are providing more opportunities for Redbridge residents to recycle, and in doing so cut non-recyclable waste and boost the amount of waste that is recycled and given a new lease of life as a new item”

The council have also shared some tips for recycling; always rinse out any food waste, carefully stack plastic pots, tubs and trays, this will allow you to fit more into your recycling boxes, rinse and scrunch up any foil for recycling.

They have also reminded people that black plastic can’t be recycled.

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