Businesses get on board with recycling

A number of businesses in Hertsmere have started recycling their rubbish thanks to a new council-run scheme.

Denise Menashy from Lerman Jacobs Davis recycling paper from her office

After the roll out of brown bins across the borough - which mean residents can recycle the vast majority of household waste at home - the council looked at how businesses could get on board too.

Steve Burton, Head of Waste and Street Scene, said: "We are primarily responsible for collecting and recycling household rubbish but as a lot of waste comes from shops and other businesses, we have come up with a scheme for them too."

Around 70 businesses with council trade waste contracts are now recycling their paper and cardboard, and are saving money too as the less general waste they have, the less they pay for their collection contract. Plus they are doing their bit for the environment, and have so far helped divert two tonnes of paper and cardboard from landfill.

All businesses need to do is separate their paper and cardboard from the rest of their waste - a blue box is provided for paper and tape is provided so cardboard can be wrapped in bundles.

Denise Menashy from one of the participating businesses, Lerman Jacobs Davis in Centennial Park, Elstree, said: "Recycling paper is just as easy as throwing it away, especially with the blue boxes provided by the council. Regular weekly collections ensure we do not get overloaded with recycling material."

Councillor Jean Heywood, Environment Portfolio Holder, said: "We are committed to diverting as much waste from landfill as possible and are really pleased with the number of businesses that have signed up to the recycling scheme so far.

"Signing up to the scheme is free and it will actually help businesses save money, as well as help us recycle more, so it's win-win all round."

For more information and to sign up call 020 8207 7480 or email street.scene@hertsmere.gov.uk