Go greener by recycling trees (From Wiltshire Times)

Go greener by recycling trees

6:00pm Saturday 5th January 2013 in Wiltshire

For the first time this year, residents across Wiltshire will be able to put their discarded real Christmas trees out on the pavement for the council to collect.

The collections will be made at the same time as the green bins are emptied in the weeks between January 8 and 31. The trees will be taken to be shredded and turned into compost.

Alternatively, trees can be taken to household recycling centres in Melksham, Trowbridge or Westbury, which will be open every day as normal.

The new kerbside recycling collections introduced last year have already led to an increase in recycling.

In six months, 50 per cent of waste in Wiltshire was recycled, compared with 44 per cent the previous year.

Toby Sturgis, cabinet member for waste services, said: “Residents in Wiltshire are to be congratulated on this fantastic achievement.

“It is tremendous news and shows people have really embraced the green culture and we are right on track to meet the 2014 target.

“Clearly the new kerbside recycling collections are encouraging people to recycle and compost more of their waste.

“The reduction in waste sent to landfill is particularly pleasing as the amount we have to pay in Landfill Tax is rapidly increasing, from £64 per ton this year to £80 per ton by 2014.

“Last year, Wiltshire Council spent £4.4 million on Landfill Tax.”

To sign up for the garden waste service or request a second recycling box, call the council on 0300 4560102 or visitwww.wiltshire.gov.uk/ rubbishrecycling.

Residents are also advised to check online for their local recycling collection dates.

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