Six councils join forces to increase recycling levels (From Witney Gazette)

Six councils join forces to increase recycling levels

9:00am Wednesday 6th September 2006 in Witney By Maddy Biddulph

OXFORDSHIRE's six councils have joined forces to create a blueprint to increase recycling levels in the county.

Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, West Oxfordshire, Cherwell, South Oxfordshire, and Vale of White Horse district councils want to boost the county's record.

Oxfordshire is in the top 25 per cent of recycling counties nationwide, and the amount of waste collected from homes per head of population is the lowest in England, according to latest Government figures.

The councils' new waste strategy sets out how they plan to meet targets on recycling and reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill.

Proposed measures include identifying and targeting areas where recycling rates are low, sending experts out on home visits to raise awareness, and carrying out a waste analysis project.

Other proposals are the possibility of jointly launching new recycling service if set-up costs are too high for single authorities, identifying opportunities to save money by sharing or linking existing collections and strengthening best practice.

The move comes after Oxfordshire Waste Partnership, which includes officers from each council, secured funding from the Waste and Resources Action Programme.

Cherwell councillor Kieron Mallon, chairman of Oxfordshire Waste Partnership, said: "Recycling and waste collection are high-profile and important services.

"It is understandable that each of the councils consults carefully with residents and runs schemes that are right for their areas.

"Extending the work we do to study issues countywide will give us much better information, help each of us improve services, and contribute to Oxfordshire as a whole, further strengthening its position as a leading recycling county."

Mr Mallon added: "There is a lot to be learnt from exchanging ideas and working together.

"A great deal of work has gone into drawing up the future waste strategy, and we are determined and confident that Oxfordshire Waste Partnership will play a strong and leading role in further boosting the county's success in managing its waste effectively."