Councillor Justin Tomlinson is in full support of the Council's plans to achieve a 30% recycling rate by April 2004.
At the latest Transport, Environment & Neighbourhood Services meeting of Swindon Borough Council, Councillor Justin Tomlinson highlighted the need to reach and pass this 30% target.
Plans to make changes to the trial door step recycling were discussed at the meeting. Currently the trial scheme has reached 6726 properties, with an encouraging 60% participation rate. However, this recycling has seen on average 12 tonnes of paper, and 750kg of cans collected per week. The changes planned involve ending can collection from the door step, using the resources to increase the total number of properties served to 13 452, which would result in a significant increase in paper recycling.
Councillor Tomlinson welcomed the changes, "To achieve the Government target of 30% recycling rate by April 2004 it is fantastic news that we will be able to increase the number of properties served for door step recycling. With a 60% participation rate, the amount of waste diverted from landfills is essential. It is disappointing that the increased number of properties served has had to come at the 'expense' of the can door step collections, but I have urged the Council to implement alternative methods to increase can recycling, which will include additional can banks."
Councillor Justin Tomlinson also highlighted ways for the Council to save approximately £1000 in the promotion of the increased door step recycling programme. The Council has agreed to look into Councillor Tomlinson's proposals straight away. "With a Council Tax hike of 15.5% last year, it is essential we try to spend the Council money efficiently, it is the least the Council Tax payers can expect."