Published: Wednesday, 23rd September 2020
New stats show we care more about the environment than ever before.
The theme for Recycle Now’s 17th annual Recycle Week is to thank the people of west Norfolk for continuing to recycle despite all that has happened this year. Statistics released by Recycle Now show that through lockdown the UK has become even more environmentally aware, with nearly 9 in 10 households saying they ‘regularly recycle’. Coming out of lockdown, more people are prepared to change their lifestyles to help the environment: 73 per cent, up from 68 per cent in 2019. And an amazing 93 per cent of UK households say they believe that ‘everyone has a responsibility to help towards cleaning up the environment’.
Cllr Brian Long, Leader of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, said: “I’m pleased to see that residents locally are recycling more. In July people in west Norfolk recycled 147 tonnes more than they did last year.
“Ten years ago, in May, our residents recycled 857 tonnes of paper, cans, plastics, glass and cardboard. This May it was 1248 tonnes, an increase of 45%.
“Since lockdown in March we have seen big increases in clothing donations. 20 tonnes have been given to clothing banks each month. Additionally, more glass has been placed in recycling bins. Glass used to account for 25% of the recycling bin, now it’s 45%.
“Our waste and recycling crews empty 1.4 million green bins each year and I thank them for continuing this vital service throughout the pandemic. This is the perfect time to also thank residents who have cut down on putting the wrong items in their recycling bins. Please keep doing it this Recycle Week and all year long.”
Peter Maddox, Director, WRAP UK, said:
“It’s fantastic to see that despite everything that has been thrown at them this year, more people than ever in west Norfolk are taking responsibility for protecting the environment by choosing to recycle. This is something we can all do, wherever we live – an individual action that, when performed by everyone, adds up to a huge change.
“West Norfolk’s recycling and waste workers 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 everyone has cooperated.
“Recycle Week this year is an opportunity to thank everyone 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 west Norfolk 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, visit www.norfolkrecycles.com.
For more information on Recycle Now, visit www.recyclenow.com