News MBC backing Recycle Week which starts today!
“Together we recycle” is the message from Maidstone Borough Council as part of the annual Recycle Week which starts today.
The theme for ‘Recycle Now’s’ 17th annual event is to thank the people of Maidstone for continuing to recycle despite all that has happened this year.
Statistics released by Recycle Now show that throughout lockdown the UK has become even more environmentally aware. Nearly 9 in 10 households now say they ‘regularly recycle’, and more people are prepared to change their lifestyles to help the environment: 73 per cent, (up from 68 per cent in 2019), and 93 per cent of UK households say they believe that ‘everyone has a responsibility to help towards cleaning up the environment.’
Cllr Derek Mortimer, Chair of the MBC Communities, Housing and Environment Committee said:
“It is fantastic to see so many more people taking recycling seriously and their responsibility for the environment which is reflected in these statistics. This is something we can all do, wherever we live – an individual action that, when performed by everyone, adds up to a huge change.“Altering the way we live can make a massive difference. Maidstone residents are currently recycling 53% of waste which is brilliant. Thank you to everyone for the part they are playing in this – not just during Recycle Week but throughout the year.”
The Recycle Now figures come from research carried out during lockdown and an omnibus survey completed in July.
Peter Maddox, Director, WRAP UK, said:
“Maidstone Borough Council’s collection crews and waste team have been real heroes too, providing the best service possible under the most difficult of circumstances. The recognition they received in the form of friendly waves, notes, cards and gifts left out for them is heart-warming proof of how Maidstone has cooperated.“Recycle Week this year is an opportunity to thank everyone in Maidstone for continuing to recycle, whatever their circumstances and to celebrate the way we have all pulled together. There has been a positive leap forward in attitudes that we must capitalise on so Maidstone can do even better in the coming year!”
Everyone – organisations and individuals - can support Recycle Week by using #RecycleWeek on social media.
For more information about recycling in your area, visit: www.maidstone.gov.uk/recycling
For more information on Recycle Now, visit www.recyclenow.com