A RENEWED DRIVE to make the borough more environmentally friendly has seen Redcar and Cleveland Council seek residents' views on recycling.
The survey was responded to by over 3000 people; and revealed that the top two things they thought would lead to greater levels of recycling, were increased physical capacity to do so and receiving more guidance on what can and can't be recycled.
There was also a significant demand for information on what happens to recycled items once they have been collected, which will be shared with residents soon.
As National Recycling Week approaches, the council is exploring the option of providing free blue bins to residents who need one. The Cabinet will consider approving a 12 month trial, during which time, residents who are without a bin – or who have one but wish to recycle even more – will be given one at no cost; saving them the current fee of £23 for a 240 litre bin, or £40 for a 360 litre bin.
Instructions on what – and what not – to put in your blue bin will be provided over the coming weeks and months too. These will take the form of waterproof stickers, which will be fitted to every resident's bin by the Recycling Team - giving them a clear, at-a-glance reference for what to put where.
Recycling is a major priority in the council's 'A Greener Future' campaign, the main objective of which is to hit a bold target of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030 after the declaration of a global climate emergency.
Councillor Julie Craig, Cabinet Member for Highways, Neighbourhoods and Transport, said:
“I would like to thank residents for taking the time to complete the survey. The response was fantastic, and we are taking everything you have said on board to allow us to take real, meaningful action and deliver what residents want.
“It is so important that we work together to improve our recycling efforts and to make a difference to the climate crisis where we can."