By Isle of Wight ObserverIslanders are with the best in the country when it comes to recycling plastic, new figures have revealed.
The Isle of Wight Council and partner Amey are among only a handful of UK authorities that recycle most types of plastics collected from the household, says a special report by the BBC.
Since February 2016, Island residents have recycled nearly 4100 tonnes of plastic collected from homes.
This has helped the Island recycle 55% of all household waste in the 2017/18 financial year.
Cabinet member for waste, Councillor Michael Murwill (Brading, St Helens and Bembridge), said: “We can be rightly proud because we’re exceeding the national target of 50% of waste being recycled by 2020.
“In fact, we’re already recycling 55% – which was originally our target for 2020.
“We’re also tackling other issues, especially targeting plastic polluting our seas, which is something I’m very passionate about.
“We’re working with businesses and other community leaders to meet this ambition.”
On the Island you can recycle most types of everyday plastic in your green recycling bin or green gull sack, such as food packaging, drinks bottles, milk cartons, yoghurt pots, tubs and cleaning products as long as they are empty.
Ready meal plastic trays can also be recycled provided they are rinsed out and not heavily contaminated with food waste or residue.
Items such as cling film or dirty plastic packaging or food trays cannot be recycled and should be placed in your black bin or gull sack.
Hard plastics, such as children’s toys, outdoor furniture or window frames and PVC products should be taken to the recycling centres at Lynnbottom, Newport or Afton Marsh, Freshwater.
A more details ‘A to Z’ list of what items can go in your recycling bin can be found at www.iwight.com/waste.
The report can be viewed at https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-45496884
Mal Butler