Glass back to good use (From Witney Gazette)

Glass back to good use

11:17am Thursday 15th March 2007 in Witney By Tim Hughes

PUBS, clubs and restaurants can now recycle chipped or broken drinks glasses with the launch of a new scheme in West Oxfordshire.

West Oxfordshire District Council has backed the start of a commercial waste collection service for glass following a successful trial over the Christmas period, involving 26 licensed premises.

Each business which took part in the trial said that they had been 'extremely happy' with the service, and hoped it would continue.

One of the trial participants was Reg Neale from the Palace Nightclub in Witney. He said: "I'm just really pleased that the glass we normally throw away every week will now be put back to good use.

"The trial went really well. The council does a good job, and we'll certainly be signing up for the new service."

In a survey sent out to West Oxfordshire businesses last year, 93 per cent said that they would prefer to see their waste recycled than go to landfill.

David Harvey, the council's cabinet member for environment, said: "We have wanted to offer a commercial waste recycling service for some time, and I am delighted that West Oxfordshire is in the forefront of doing this.

"It is a really good step forward, and thanks are due to the hard work of council staff in helping to make this possible.

"From the survey and pilot exercise, we know that we have the support of local companies, and so I am sure this new scheme will be a success."

Any businesses interested in making use of the recycling service should contact Street Scene, on 01993 861020, or e-mail env.services@westoxon.gov.uk.

* The council has also obtained funding to start a commercial cardboard recycling service. Details have yet to be announced.