Low Carbon: Runcorn, Widnes and Daresbury recycling reward scheme launched in Lynton Crescent, by RecycleBank and Halton Borough Council

By Sarah Griffiths on Oct 29, 09 11:44 AM in News

THE first recycling voucher scheme in the North of England has been launched in Halton writes Oliver Clay.

Under a pilot scheme, residents can score points according to the amount of waste they put in their blue recycling bins.

These points can be swapped for vouchers to be used at shops, restaurants, and other outlets.

More than 100 retailers have signed up to accept vouchers including British Gas, Cineworld, Costcutter, and Halton based-firms BeOffee and Lullaby NurseryWare.

Organisers estimate that homes on average could save more than £135 each year.

The pilot is currently open to more than 10,000 homes in seven pilot areas - Heath, Grange, Halton Castle, Daresbury, Broadheath, Hough Green and Halton View.
Residents must activate an 'account' online or by phone to take part.

Sue Igoe, RecycleBank UK managing director, said: "We have helped to increase recycling rates anywhere from 30-80% in the communities we service.

"RecycleBank has demonstrated that when financial incentives are aligned with smart environmental actions, people make the better environmental choice."

Cllr Phil Harris, Halton Borough Council executive board member for recycling, added: "We want to reward our residents for their recycling efforts and maximise participation in the borough.

"It is in everyone's interest to decrease the amount of waste sent to landfill sites and our overall goal is to increase recycling in an easy and convenient way for households."

For more information visit www.recyclebank.com or call 0800 077 6009.

The picture shows Sue Igoe, RecycleBank UK managing director, Cllr Phil Harris, Thomas Viggers, of Widnes, and Cllr Tony McDermott, leader of Halton Borough Council.