Bolton Council has achieved its annual recycling target thanks to the hard work of residents.
The authority achieved a recycling rate of 47 per cent for the last financial year (2017/18) - an increase of 2.59 per cent on the previous year (2016/17).
Since the roll-out of the slimmer grey bins, the council has also avoided spending almost £4m in disposal costs; more than triple the initial estimate of £1.25m.
Some of these savings have been utilised to save school crossing patrols and a portion has also been ring fenced to look after vulnerable adults.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Councillor Nick Peel, said: “This is a real reflection of the efforts of our residents. This achievement would not have been possible without them being fully committed to recycling and minimising the waste put in the grey bin. They have not only helped us save money but also helped the environment.
“We do recognise that there may be some residents who are struggling with recycling and I would ask these householders to get in touch with us – our team will visit them and offer additional help and support.”
Large families with six or more people, families with three or more children in nappies and households with one or more people producing medical waste may be eligible for a 240 litre bin, as long as they are recycling properly.
To arrange a waste audit, order recycling bins or for more information on what can be recycled visit our recycling pages or follow @RecycleforBolton on Facebook or Twitter.
Top tips on dealing with your rubbish and recycling:-
• Squeeze the bag containing the rubbish to remove unwanted air, which will reduce its size.
• Stack plastic tubs and pots inside one another to reduce the amount of space they take up and squash them where possible before placing in the grey bin.
• Remember plastic bags, plastic pots, tubs and trays; polystyrene trays; and disposable nappies cannot be recycled and should be put in your grey bin. Rubbish put in your grey bin is used to generate electricity.