News Recycling rates more than 51% in Maidstone

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is thanking residents for helping to improve recycling rates in the borough, which are now more than 51% compared to 44% nationally.

As part of National Recycle Week (17 to 21 Oct) The Council is asking everyone to really consider how they dispose of their rubbish.

Cllr Martin Round, Lead Member for Environmental Services said:

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who does sort through and recycle their rubbish as that’s thousands of tonnes of paper, card, glass bottles, plastic bottles and cans, all properly recycled into something useful. This will help save valuable resources, reduce energy usage and improve the environment by reducing the carbon footprint of the area. Thank you!”

“As the national recycling rate is just 44% Maidstone residents should feel proud, however there is still a long way to go. We are committed to increasing recycling rates across the borough and National Recycle Week gives us all a great opportunity to really think about increasing what we recycle and help play our part in improving the world we live in.

“Our best recycling tip for your dry recycling, is to make sure all bottles, cans and containers are empty before placing them loose in the recycling bin. This makes a huge difference, you don't need to scrub them, just empty them before putting them straight into the bin. This improves the quality of recycling delivered to the sorting depot.”

The Council’s waste team currently make 38,000 recycling collections per week, achieving an overall recycling rate for 2021/22 of 51.8% in the borough.

The aim is to increase this even more, so we are reminding residents of the 5 Steps to Recycling.

1. Use the separate weekly food collection service
2. Stick to the dry materials recycling list: https://maidstone.gov.uk/home/primary-services/bins-and-recycling/primary-areas/what-can-i-put-in-my-bin
3. Make sure all bottles, cans and containers are empty
4. No plastic bags, food or nappies in your recycling bin
5. Use a separate garden bin or home compost your garden waste

MBC offers a specialist recycling information service, to answer questions and queries.  Anyone who would like to contact the team can email: recycling@maidstone.gov.uk

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