Banbridge is best for recycling success

From January to March 2014 the council achieved a recycling rate of 51.6% in its household waste dry recycling and composting. This result is almost 3% higher than the next highest preforming council. These figures show a continued improvement in the recycling activities across the district as a whole. It also highlights the fact that residents are embracing recycling into their everyday routine. “This is an incredible result and stands as evidence for all the hard work and effort that both council officers and residents are putting in to ensure that Banbridge District remains ‘top of the tables’” explained Lynsey Daly, Waste and Environmental Manager for Banbridge District Council. “In the last three years we have seen our overall recycling rates increase from 49% to approximately 57%. This achievement is largely due to the commitment local residents have to recycling and the increased number of items that can be now placed in both the green and brown bins.” Through their kerbside scheme the council can collect and recycle many types of glass bottles and jars, cardboard, paper, plastic, metal and food and drink cartons in the green bins, items that previously ended up in the black bin destined for landfill. In the brown bin all food waste can be accepted, even raw or cooked leftovers, as well as garden waste such as grass and hedge cuttings. Residents can also use any of the recycling facilities available throughout the district including the three Community Recycling Centres located in Banbridge, Dromore and Rathfriland and the many recycling banks. The council has also launched its new innovative waste and recycling mobile app called “Bin-ovation”. The app, in addition to providing households with an easily accessible A to Z list of recyclables, also includes personal bin collection schedule, and directions from a current location to the nearest community recycling point, making recycling as easy as clicking a few buttons. The app also includes a reminder system for one, or all of householder’s bins, to ensure a collection day is never missed. To download the free mobile app, residents should search for “Bin-ovation” in either the Apple App Store or in Google Play, dependant on their device. IPad users should note that they are searching for an IPhone App (which is fully compatible with IPad), and therefore may need to adjust their search settings in the App Store to find the app. Alternatively, residents can scan the QR code available on the Banbridge District Council website at www.banbridge.gov.uk. Banbridge District Council would like to take this opportunity to thank the residents for their hard work and dedication to recycling and waste reduction.