Recycling rates across Cornwall for the first quarter of 2018-19 are tracking ahead of target according to the latest data from Cornwall Council.

Recycling rates for the first quarter of the year are up by three percent – 42% against a target of 39%.

In the first six months of 2016, the Council received 10,295 requests for recycling bags. In the first six months of this year, the Council received 18,662 requests, an increase of over 80%.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Public Protection, Sue James, said the shift was likely attributed to a number of factors.

"In the last 12 months, we have seen Blue Planet heighten people's awareness of the impact plastic is having on our environment. The plastic free movement is growing and we now have several towns in Cornwall working to be plastic free, as well as a commitment for the Council to be single-use plastic free by 2020.

"Recycling is now more prominent in people's minds and we know our residents value Cornwall as a beautiful place to live. We expect that a combination of these factors has generated a massive surge in awareness and demand for recycling bags.

"We apologise for the delay in getting these bags out to residents, but we did not anticipate such a massive increase in orders. It's an encouraging sign that we will be able to boost recycling rates across Cornwall and we ask for people to be patient.

"We are out delivering recycling bags to households who ordered them as fast as possible but this is taking some time. In the meantime the proper bags can be collected from one of the centres listed below.

"We will also publish further information on our website and in social media to keep people informed, but ask for patience as we deal with the backlog."

The Council has been actively promoting different ways for people to recycle following a waste survey earlier this year where people said they wanted more information on what to recycle.

Recycling containment stocks can be collected from centres at Newquay, Redruth, Bude, Camborne, Camelford, Falmouth, Fowey, Launceston, Looe, Penzance, Saltash, St Austell, Torpoint and Liskeard. For addresses and opening hours please visit our one stop shop page. 

Unfortunately bags cannot be collected from Bodmin, Callington, Hayle, Helston, Penryn, St Ives, Truro or Wadebridge.

Posted on 10 September 2018