Record recycling rates in West Sussex

This week is national Recycling Week (September 21-27) and new figures released today by West Sussex Council County show that 53 per cent of items we throw away are now recycled.

Government targets mean councils must now be recycling at least half of their household waste.

The county council is encouraging residents to continue this trend as it works towards future recycling targets of 55 per cent by 2025 and 65 per cent by 2035.

Deborah Urquhart, cabinet member for environment at West Sussex County Council, said: "This is great news and shows that West Sussex residents really care about what happens to the many items that can be recycled.

“I want to thank each and every person for helping us to reach this milestone and ask them to continue to support us as we move towards even better recycling rates in the future.”

To help boost recycling rates even further residents are being reminded that their household recycling should be clean, dry and loose.

You can find out what you can and can't recycle by visiting www.westsussex.gov.uk/recyclingThe increased recycling rate, which still needs to be audited and confirmed by DEFRA, has been helped by a reduction in the amount of household rubbish thrown away.

Deborah said: “On average West Sussex households have managed to reduce their general waste by 30kg compared to last year. This is great news as wasting less, especially food, saves money and is good for the environment.”

For news, advice and tips on recycling follow West Sussex recycles on social media @WSrecycles.

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