Recycling in Flats Set to Rise after Success of Lib Dem Initiative

A Liberal Democrat initiative to help Bedford Borough residents in blocks of flats to recycle their waste is set to be rolled out across the Borough after recycling rates rocketed at a number of sites included in a Council pilot scheme. The improvements saw recycling rates increase by up to 160%. The scheme was funded via a successful budget proposal by the Lib Dems, who have long called for improvements to remove the barriers which prevent many who live in blocks of flats from recycling their household waste.

The improvements carried out involved making the recycling facilities in communal bin stores easier to use, including through providing new containers and more capacity for recycling. Commenting on the success of the initiative, Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Dave Hodgson said: "We have always argued that the reason for lower recycling rates at blocks of flats is not because residents do not want to recycle their waste, but because of the obstacles preventing them from doing so. The fact that recycling rates at blocks of flats have rocketed under this Liberal Democrat initiative, which has removed those obstacles, shows that.'

"This scheme is a great example of how working together with local residents, making it easier for them to recycle, is the best way for the Council to boost recycling and help the environment. This approach contrasts sharply with the approach of the former Tory County Council, which tried to force fortnightly collections on the Borough and withdrew the funding for recycling bags to stop people having a choice of a bin or a bag."

Liberal Democrat Councillor and Environment Portfolio Holder Cllr Charles Royden added: "I am delighted that this Liberal Democrat initiative has produced such good results for recycling at these trial sites. This is a very encouraging development as we seek to improve recycling rates, and the real congratulations must go to the residents who have responded to being provided with better facilities by taking part in the recycling scheme."