MILAN – In addition to plastic bottles, residents of Helston in Cornwall will soon be able to recycle pots, tubs and trays thanks to a new initiative that is still being tested. Over 46,000 inhabitants will take part in the project, which aims to reduce the amount of household waste that ends up in landfills. The process, which should begin in early November, is intended to broaden the context of recycling, as currently only plastic bottles are collected.

Plastic recycling: the result matters

Should the initiative launched in Helston be successful, it will be implemented throughout the rest of the county. This is a necessary step to demonstrate to the entire Lizard Peninsula just how important sustainability, and the ecosystem in general, really are. Currently, the only plastic items that can be recycled in Helston are plastic bottles. Councillor Andrew Wallis, who represents Porthleven and Helston west, said he welcomed the initiative. He went on to talk about the process of renewing eco-friendly policies, stating: “I believe if we want to increase recycling in Cornwall, we need to stop the significant confusion about what can and cannot be recycled. In fact, this confusion tends to make people just throw it into the black bag, without thinking any more of it.” Such carelessness has proven rather costly to the English county over the years.

Information about separate waste collection

All inhabitants that are involved in the trial will be informed by post by the Cornish authorities over the coming weeks. The initiative should not be taken lightly, given the importance of the commitment Cornwall wants to make primarily to itself, but also to its citizens, to try to preserve sites and keep the area’s flora and fauna untouched. Communication has always played an important role in raising awareness around the issue of recycling, and has enabled numerous communities to improve in this respect. 

by editorial staff