PR 1734
SCHOOLS URGED TO SIGN UP FOR RECYCLING
Recycling schemes, mirroring the kerbside collections across Hampshire, will soon be available at schools, County Council premises, and other public sector organisations countywide.
A groundbreaking waste and recycling contract has been set up by Hampshire County Council giving all schools in the county the option to have their waste and recyclables collected separately for the first time from April 2005.
Provision for separate collections of schools' waste and recycling is patchy throughout the UK, and although some local authorities have schemes, they are the exception rather than the rule.
Recycling collections will be cheaper than waste collections, and as landfill tax increases sharply over the next few years, separating materials for recycling will represent considerable and increasing cost savings for schools.
Leader of the County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: "This is excellent news. As well as saving costs, this initiative will transform a waste problem into a resource opportunity, and will enable the County Council to lead by example in a countywide drive to use resources efficiently and reduce landfill. Recycling materials already in circulation reduces greenhouse gas emissions and saves energy, water and raw materials used in manufacture.
"Children encounter education for sustainable development in many areas of the curriculum, and from April schools will be able to demonstrate this practically by signing up to the new recycling contracts.
"We need as many schools and public sector organisations as possible to sign up for economies of scale, so it's in everyone's interest to forge ahead with this exciting scheme."
Newspapers, magazines, paper, cardboard, junk mail, cans and plastic bottles will all be accepted under the new contracts. Schools and public sector organisations should contact Julie Price at County Supplies on 01962 826910 for more information.
ENDS
For further information please contact: Sarette Martin on 01962 847666 sarette.martin@hants.gov.uk