Bolton Council praises residents for recycling but work still to be done

Research by Bury-based sustainable waste management experts Envirovue found that over half-a-million tonnes of household recycling was rejected at the point of sorting nationwide in 2020.

It also found that each tonne of waste collected from a household recycling bin that cannot be recycled attracts an extra cost of around £93 to dispose of through an energy from waste facility. This equates to over £48m per year in additional costs.

But there is certainly an interest in getting better at recycling. In the year to August 2022, Google searches for "recyclable waste" increased by 94 per cent.

The council says that contamination rates are low in the borough, which it puts that down to resident education and participation. This allows the department to better manage the public purse, it says.

That’s not to say that the issue is non-existent in Bolton.

A spokesperson for the council said: “During 2019, a waste composition analysis was carried out in Bolton on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

“The project focussed on discovering what type of waste, and how much waste, residents in Bolton were placing in each of their waste and recycling containers.”

Bolton's different bins (Image: Newsquest)

One of the most common mistakes Boltonians make is placing non-recyclable plastics in their burgundy bins, such as pots, tubs, and trays, as well as liquid being left in containers.

This approximately equates to 1,500 tonnes per year.

The council spokesperson added: “We’d like to remind residents that the only type of plastic that can be recycled in the burgundy bin is plastic bottles and that all cans, tins and bottles must be empty of before placing them in the burgundy bin.”

Other products that often make their way into recycling bins that should not include takeaway coffee cups - which usually have a wax or poly-coated unrecyclable lining – and food covered carboard such a takeaway pizza box.

Once the grease from a pizza makes it onto the carboard they instantly become unfit for recycling.

The spokesperson said: “We also remind residents to park considerately on their scheduled bin collection day.

“This includes not obstructing entrances to back streets, parking in a manner that ensures our waste collection vehicles can pass down the full length of the street and ensuring skips are positioned to allow the safe passage of our collection vehicles or are removed in a timely manner.

“Blocked and/or restricted access does restrict our ability to provide timely waste collections and can lead to delay.

“Businesses are reminded that the council offers a competitively priced commercial waste service delivered by our in-house team.

“We provide wrap around and flexible support for businesses by offering separate residual, pulpable and co-mingled collections.

“Any business who would like to discuss their requirements are encouraged to call our commercial waste team on 01204 336644 or email commercialwaste@bolton.gov.uk.”

The council’s advice with regards to waste and recycling at www.bolton.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling.

Its policies can be found at www.bolton.gov.uk/downloads/file/4489/waste-and-recycling-collection-policies

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18