Information on Loughborough

Building up picture of Leicestershires waste habits

Posted on 15/04/2008
P. Klein

domestic wasteA survey to find out what Leicestershire people throw away is continuing next week.

The research started last November and will provide a better understanding of the types and amounts of materials being thrown away and how habits change over time.

The study, which will also help inform decisions about future waste facilities, involves four seasonal collections. Results from the first two are very similar - the winter survey shows that on average, households are throwing away 8.2kg of waste each week and recycling another 4.8kg.

The findings are pleasing but will help the County, District and Borough Councils to make improvements and tailor campaigns to boost recycling awareness.

As before, rubbish from around 200 houses in Melton, Coalville, Narborough, Loughborough and South Wigston will be collected during regular refuse collections over the next two weeks.

Nicholas Rushton, Deputy Leader of the County Council with responsibility for Waste Management, said: "This study will help Leicestershire to understand changing waste trends which will allow the authorities to continuously expand and improve its waste services.

"These early results are very promising and give all the authorities a chance to identify improvements that can be made.

"They also enable us to offer greater value for money whilst continuing to keep us at the forefront of recycling and waste reduction performance."

The final summer survey is due to take place in June.

All waste collected will be taken to a secure centre to be sorted by waste type, before being recycled and disposed of as normal by the County Council.

The identity of individual properties will not be revealed to ensure complete confidentiality for local residents.

Residents who have any queries can contact the County Council on 0116 305 7339.

Notes:

The autumn survey, carried out in November, shows that on average, households are throwing away 7.3kg of waste each week and recycling another 4.7kg.

The surveys are being carried out by the County Council with the support of the seven District and Borough Councils.