A CAMPAIGN to increase the amount of household waste being recycled is proving a success.

Putting the wrong items in the wrong bin can contaminate substantial amounts of other recyclates, which makes a significant difference in the cost of processing waste, damages the environment and sees people’s efforts to separate their rubbish – literally go to waste.

In a bid to tackle problems caused by bin contamination, recycling staff from Bradford Council have been knocking on doors to hand out leaflets, stickers and to offer face-to-face advice on what to put, and what not to put, in recycling bins.

Teams have visited over 9,000 properties in parts of Fagley, Ravenscliffe, Sutton Estate, Holme Wood, Royds and Allerton. In the next few weeks they will be working in Heaton and West Royd in Shipley.

Reports show that the campaign has already resulted in an eight per cent reduction in recycling bin contamination and a nine per cent increase in the rate of recycling.

Contaminated recycling comes at huge cost to Bradford Council, report reveals

Bradford Council Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, Councillor Sarah Ferriby, said: “We really appreciate our residents’ efforts to recycle as much as they can.

“It makes sense financially for the Council Tax payer, and for the environment, if we can re-use or recycle what would otherwise have to be disposed of by heat treatment or landfill.

“Making sure that people are aware of what should and shouldn’t be placed in the recycling bin is one of our priorities because we trust our residents to do the right thing when they have the confidence and knowledge to guide their efforts.”

Items which can’t be recycled should go in green general waste bins, not in grey recycling bins. These include: plastic plant pots or seed trays, plastic bags, bin bags, cellophane, cling film or bubble wrap, foam or polystyrene take-away cups food trays or packaging, waxed cardboard such as take-away drinks cups, Pyrex jugs or dishes made from toughened or treated glass, wallpaper, plastic toys or kitchen ware such as kettles or washing up bowls, greeting cards with glitter foil or beads, sweet and crisp packets.

Mirrors or sheets of glass, paint tins or oil cans should be taken to your local household waste recycling centre, not put in your grey recycling bin.

Items which should be placed in the grey recycling bins include: catalogues, junk mail, cardboard, newspapers, magazines, office paper, envelopes, aerosol cans, aluminium foil, drinks and food cans, glass bottles, glass jars, plastic bottles, plastic food trays, margarine and butter tubs, yoghurt pots and food, juice and other drink cartons.

For information about all aspects of recycling at Bradford Council please visit our website at www.bradford.gov.uk/recycling or for advice call 01274 431000.