News June 2006
Plastic bottle recycling introduced in Hackney
One hundred and forty four years after Wick resident Alexander Parkes first invented plastic, Hackney Council is to launch the borough’s first plastic bottle recycling scheme.
From today, 5 June, residents can recycle plastic bottles at recycling banks across the borough. At this pilot stage plastic bottles will not be recycled in the door-to-door service – the current collection vehicles do not have enough capacity for the bottles which are very bulky. The council is trying to resolve these issues so that the service can be expanded in the future.
Newly appointed Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Cllr Alan Laing said: “The scheme is in response to public demand and part of the Council’s dedication in creating a sustainable borough.”
The service has been in the pipeline for some time but was on hold while councillors could get assurance that the plastics were treated responsibly. A new facility has opened in Greenwich which means the Council can monitor the end market for the bottles and ensure the plastics are recycled properly.
Recycling plastic bottles can reduce the use of resources and emissions - recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60W bulb for up to six hours. Recycled plastic bottles can be used to make textiles like fleece jackets.
The Council predicts that around five tonnes of plastic bottles could be recycled per month for the first year and grow further as public participation increases. All types of bottles can be recycled at recycling banks dotted around the borough, although not yet via the Green Box collection.
Residents should rinse and squash bottles before placing them in the bin to reduce smells and transportation costs. If you have any questions about the new plastic recycling scheme call 020 8356 6688 or email recycling@hackney.gov.uk
Page updated: 28 Feb 2007