More flats get recycling facilities

Communal bins for plastic bottles and cans as well as paper have been installed at more than 20 sites across Hertsmere so far, helpingaround 900 households to recycle more of their waste more conveniently.

Local resident Zoe Powell and her daughter at new recycling bins at Canterbury House in Borehamwood

One of the latest schemes – at Canterbury House in Stratfield Road, Borehamwood – includes glass banks.  Councillor Jean Heywood, Environment Portfolio Holder, explained: "Space is often an issue when providing facilities at flats but there is plenty of room in the car park area at Canterbury House which is the largest development of flats in the borough.  In addition, the flats aren't very close to any of our local recycling points where you can recycle glass so we thought it would make sense to install glass banks as well."

The council has worked with housing association Affinity Sutton to install the facilities and although the bins and banks are based at Canterbury House, everyone living in Stratfield Road, which includes York House, can use them.

Brian Conbeer, Head of Housing - East at Affinity Sutton, which has invested  £12m in the neighbourhood over the past four years, said: "We are delighted to be able to help our residents recycle their rubbish.  As a business for social purpose we are committed to raising awareness about green issues and helping our residents be more environmentally friendly where we can and as we are currently redeveloping the area it was an ideal time to get recycling facilities installed in partnership with the council."

Zoe Powell, York House resident and mum of two, said: "The facilities are fantastic!  It will be much easier for us to recycle all our rubbish now.  I'm up for doing my bit for the environment."

Recycling facilities have also been installed at Coleridge Way in Borehamwood for residents in flats 78 to 128 and at the following sites in Potters Bar:

• Park View
• Oakmere Avenue
• Cranborne Close
• Lake View
• Furzefield Court
• St Johns Close
• Forbes Avenue
• Fields Court
• Carpenter Way
• Seabrook Court
• Rydal Mount

Cllr Heywood added: "Residents are currently recycling around 40% of their waste which is really great news for the environment and the roll out of facilities at flats will help us build on this and divert more waste from landfill.

"We will continue to work with local housing associations, management organisations and residents to help make recycling at flats easier."

All bins are labelled with what can go in and where appropriate residents are given special blue bags to help them carry their recycling to the bins.

Paper will be collected one week and plastic bottles and cans will be collected the next week and so on.  Normal waste that cannot be recycled will continue to be collected from communal bins on a weekly basis.  Glass will be collected from Canterbury House by council contractors that collect from other glass banks in the borough.

Full details of the scheme will be delivered to homes as and when the scheme rolls out to each block so look out for information dropping on your doormat.