Trailblazing recycling
Croydon has been picked to pioneer a new project aimed at helping improve the environmental footprint of one of the borough's historic landmarks - Surrey Street Market.
The council's Envibe programme was awarded £35,000 by a government-funded scheme to help the market and nearby businesses cut waste and boost recycling and composting.
The impact of waste and lack of recycling and composting has been a concern for stall holders.
But once the project is up and running they can expect to reduce their cardboard waste by 800 tonnes and their compostable waste, from food and wood pallets, by 100 tonnes each year.
But once the project is up and running they can expect to reduce their cardboard waste by 800 tonnes and their compostable waste, from food and wood pallets, by 100 tonnes each year.
This equates to a saving of £32,000 in annual waste costs. Money raised through the consequent reduction in landfill charges and from sales of cardboard and composting will be ploughed back into other environmental activities at the market.
As part of the project a composter and cardboard baler will be installed at the market, with regular collections taking place. Stall holders will be shown how to separate and recycle their waste.
Envibe has already worked with market stall holders to promote reusable bags and energy saving light bulbs.
Cllr Phil Thomas, cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "Croydon has been working hard to help local business improve their environmental footprint and we are delighted to have been chosen as a trailblazer for this new scheme
"By supporting Surrey Street Market to cut waste and recycle more we can help them to save money and make a positive contribution to the environment."
"By supporting Surrey Street Market to cut waste and recycle more we can help them to save money and make a positive contribution to the environment."
Wednesday, 25 July 2007