Barrow residents could face a fine if they do not stop mixing recyclable and non-recyclable waste.
They will have three chances from Barrow council to clean up their act, before being faced with the possibility of a fixed penalty notice.
It is part of a new campaign – Cleaner Greener Barrow – from the borough council, which aims to increase the borough’s contribution to a healthier planet and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
A statement from the council said: “A new policy on recycling and waste has been formally adopted by members of Barrow Borough Council’s full council.
“Recycling operatives will inform residents if their recycling is contaminated with non-recyclable items using a hanger that notifies which item was not allowed.
“A further incidence of contamination will be followed up with a home visit to offer advice and information about recycling in the borough.
“On the third occasion, a formal notice will be issued to the householder.
“Finally, householders who continue to place the wrong items in their recycling could be subject to a fixed penalty notice.”
The campaign, it says, will highlight what can be recycled and what cannot and a guide will be distributed to every household in the borough.
The statement added: “It is an easy reference for residents who need to check whether an item can be placed in their recycling or should instead go into the waste bin.”
The campaign will also aim to clarify the rules around waste collection in the borough to help keep neighbourhoods cleaner and tidier.
Ann Thomson, leader of Barrow Borough Council and lead member for greener and cleaner neighbourhoods, said: “Recycling as much as we can is the right thing to do for our borough, but also for the environment as a whole.
“We need to make sure the recycling we collect from homes is sorted well though because this makes the items easier to transform into something else.
“Unfortunately, when non-recyclable or unsuitable items are placed in the recycling, it means that particular box or bin is considered contaminated.
“We all need to do our bit when it comes to deciding which items to place in the recycling. Hopefully, Cleaner Greener Barrow should help make things clearer than ever before.
“This campaign will help our residents to understand what they can and cannot recycle in very easy steps to show how simple it is to do.”
What can I recycle?
- Paper and cardboard – except for tissues, foil wrapping paper, kitchen roll, toilet tissue.
- Tin foil that scrunches, not crisps and biscuit wrappers.
- Aluminium and tin cans
- Tetrapaks
- Aerosol cans
- Plastic bottles
- Clear plastic food trays – but no black plastic
- Mixed glass – but no glasses or broken glass
All items must be clean and dry.
What else do I need to know?
- No plastic bags or food wrappings of any kind should be placed in your recycling bin. This is the biggest reason for contamination in the borough, the council said.
- Make sure your recycling box lid can’t blow open in the wind for rain to get in.
Make sure all recycling is loose with boxes folded flat.
