Recycling boosted by coronavirus lockdown

Organised by WRAP under the Recycle Now brand, Recycle Week runs from today (Monday) to September 27 and, in its 17th year, is a celebration of recycling.

This year the theme will thank the nation for continuing to recycle despite the challenges that Covid-19 has presented, under the banner ‘Together – We Recycle’.

Statistics released by Recycle Now show that through lockdown, the UK has become even more environmentally aware, with nearly nine 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 93 per cent of UK households say they believe that ‘everyone has a responsibility to help towards cleaning up the environment’. The figures come from research carried out during lockdown and a survey completed in July.

Councillor Stewart Swinburn, NELC portfolio holder for environment, said: “Everyone can play their part in helping to protect the environment by recycling as much as possible.

“We’re making it easier for people to recycle more and waste less with the roll out of our new recycling bins that will be delivered to households by the autumn. It’s part of a massive transformation for recycling in North East Lincolnshire.”

Peter Maddox, Director, WRAP UK, added: “It’s fantastic to see that despite everything that has been thrown at them this year, more people than ever in North East Lincolnshire 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.

“North East Lincolnshire Council’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 North East Lincolnshire 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 North East Lincolnshire can do even better in the coming year.”