Published: 22/12/2015
Copeland Council now has its card recycling banks back in action.
The banks had been taken away after large-scale and repeated contamination had occurred in them. Raw meat, polystyrene, tetrapaks and other rubbish had been placed in containers across the borough. There had also been arson at one site.
Now all the containers are back on their sites ready for residents to start using them again.
Copeland's portfolio holder for waste, Coun David Banks, said: "This is great news for the public, as we know card banks have always been popular. They will be invaluable with the extra packaging Christmas brings. We really appreciate the patience people have shown while the service has been suspended and we know many have been storing their cardboard rather than disposing of it."
The banks have been altered to make it harder to put in bulky items like polystyrene - but this means larger boxes need to be flattened. The banks also have new, clear signs to help people know exactly what can and can't go into the banks. Tetrapaks (or drinks cartons) are a problem and these are often put in the banks. Though similar to card, they are not recyclable in this way. Polystyrene is often put in because it came along with the box, however it is not recyclable and contaminates the load.
The sites will now be closely monitored by Copeland to see if their actions have been successful in minimising contamination.
Coun Banks added: "We would like to ask residents to help us by double-checking what they are putting into the banks, and if any residents see anyone deliberately abusing the banks, they should tell us straight away on 01946 598300."
