Support for city recycling project

The company, which supplies a range of polythene products to aid recycling, will provide over 20,000 bags made from recycled material to support the campaign over its six-month duration. 

The project created by environmental charity Hubbub with the support of compliance scheme Ecosurety, 24 major brands and retailers, Leeds City Council, and local institutions aims to boost the recycling of food and drinks packaging.

As part of a number of 35^th anniversary activities, staff from Leeds-based Cromwell Polythene formed part of the voluntary team helping to raise awareness of the campaign during its first week of launch. This included helping with the Re-Cycler, a cargo bike touring the city to share details about the project and an area where people can trade their recycling for rewards.

The project will trial a range of different methods including pioneering technology, new recycling facilities and engaging communications. Twenty new on-street yellow recycle bins enable people to recycle their empty plastic and drinks cans, whilst coffee cups can be recycled in orange bins or at participating coffee shops. A ‘We Recycle app’ enables people to scan their drinks packaging or coffee cup and find their nearest recycling bin.

Studies show that people want to recycle but are confused about what can be recycled and how. People are increasingly eating on the move, but only 42% of local authorities have on street recycling facilities. The results of the project will be shared openly, with the aim being to help other towns and cities roll out the most successful elements.

Michael Johnson, cleansing & enforcement team service manager from Leeds City Council, said: “It’s vital that people are given the support and information to help them recycle. This project is a great example of how commercial organisations can work with local authorities to engage communities. We welcome the support from Cromwell Polythene to help keep our city streets clean.”

James Lee, managing director of Cromwell Polythene, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support this ground-breaking recycling project in our local area, as we’re committed to help make the world cleaner, greener, and more economical."