Green Box recycling of ink cartridges and mobile phones raises money for charity.

29/07/2005

PEOPLE who recycle their rubbish in Bath & North East Somerset have not only helped the environment, but also raised money for a good cause in a unique charity project.

Old toner and ink cartridges recycled through Bath & North East Somerset Council’s green box recycling collection have been given to the charity Actionaid.

Since ActionAid began taking the cartridges and mobile phones last August they have collected 1,690 phones and cartridges. By selling them on for recycling, this has helped them to raise an impressive £4,697.50.

ActionAid works with some of the poorest countries in the world to alleviate poverty and through the green box recycling service, residents can congratulate themselves on doing their bit to help.

Cllr Gerry Curran, Executive Member for Sustainability and the Environment said: “This goes to show just how much value there is in recycling. The items Bath & North East Somerset Council collects have real value and we are delighted that some of the materials we collect can help to support a worthwhile charity such as ActionAid.”

Geoff Perriman, ActionAid Recycling’s Managing Director said: “As far as we know, this is the only kerbside collection scheme in the UK that currently allows householders to recycle their old mobile phones and empty cartridges alongside the more usual types of domestic waste. So far as ActionAid Recycling is concerned this has proven to be a runaway success. “

Cartridges and mobile phones are two of the more unusual items collected from the weekly green box recycling service, which is operated by ECT Recycling on behalf of Bath & North East Somerset Council. The Council is keen to encourage people to make best use of the collection by recycling as much as possible through the green box service.

Residents can recycle paper, Yellow Pages, cans, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles (no other types of plastic), foil, textiles and shoes, batteries, spectacles, car batteries, engine oil, and of course, toner and ink cartridges and mobile phones.

Please note the cardboard is not collected through the green box but residents can choose to put that out separately free of charge as part of the cardboard and green waste collections.

To find out more about what you can recycle through the green box and the Council’s other recycling and composting services, contact the Action Line on 01225 394041 actionline@bathnes.gov.uk, text: 07797 806544
or see the Council’s website www.bathnes.gov.uk/wasteservices