Posted on: Friday 9 October 2020
Now in its 17th year, the Awards for Excellence in Recycling & Waste Management is considered the most prestigious awards scheme for waste and recycling professionals recognising organisations, partnerships and individuals across 17 categories.
The council who is working in partnership with Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, Capital Valley Plastic and FCC Environment, has been shortlisted in the category of the best local authority recycling initiative for its low density polyethylene recycling project.
To help tackle to problem of low density polythene, which is the commonly used in such things as bread packaging and carrier bags, the council and Capital Valley Plastic are providing an education and collection programme about this issue to 22 primary schools in the borough. In addition to this project, low density polythene can be recycled at the Household Waste Recycling Centre (New Inn).
Councillor Mandy Owen, executive member for the environment, said: “Being shortlisted for such a prestigious prize is fantastic news. It shows that the recycling and waste team are always trying to innovate, work with partners, and help residents recycle more.
“Low density polythene packaging isn’t widely collected by local authorities, but we are lucky enough in Torfaen to have a local company who can work with this material after it’s been collected for recycling, making it into new products. The type of items being collected include 5p and 10p carrier bags, bread bags, bubble wrap and outer packaging of cans and cartons. Participation from schools has been fantastic and we are hoping to roll it out to more in the future.
“I would like to wish the recycling and waste team, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council, Capital Valley and FCC the best of luck. This project is one that other local authorities need to replicate so let’s hope the judges agree.”
Award winners are set to be announced at a virtual ceremony on 6th November 2020.
You can see the full list of finalists by visiting www.awardsforexcellence.co.uk