'Jumbo' recycling effort by Arun residents

The amount of waste being recycled rather than sent to landfill has doubled in the first half of this year compared with the same period last year.

More than 7,475 tonnes of waste have been diverted away from landfill in the first half of this year '“ an amount equivalent to the weight of 18 fully-loaded jumbo jets, each weighing in at 413 tonnes.

Of this, nearly four jumbos' worth comes from green waste alone, with glass recycling accounting for another three jets of the total.

The remaining tonnage comes from the recycling collected in both the wheeled bins and the neighbourhood recycling centres, such as steel and aluminium cans, plastic bottles and newspapers.

Recycling rates have soared from 13 per cent last year to more than 27 per cent in the first half of this year and the rate is still increasing.

"These figures are very impressive," said councillor Stephen Brookman, cabinet member for the environment at Arun.

"With landfill space fast running out in West Sussex, it is vital that we all do our bit to help reduce the amount of waste being tipped.

"Arun residents have been doing a sterling job sorting their refuse for collection, and long may it continue."

With the re-opening of the green waste club and residents becoming habitual recyclers, the council is looking forward to the continued success of the recycling scheme into the new year and beyond.

For advice on recycling, call Waste Awareness Unit at Arun on 01903 737500.