Green-minded residents’ efforts have helped contribute to Aylesbury Vale District Council being shortlisted for a prestigious national award for recycling.
The council is one of nine finalists in the Local Authority Team of the Year category in the National Recycling Awards.
The commendation aims to reward recycling teams from local authorities across the UK that have brought innovative and creative ideas to their area which have achieved high recycling rates.
AVDC’s entry told the story of how its new recycling and waste service, introduced to 71,000 households in September 2012, has increased its recycling rates from 21 per cent to nearly 55 per cent while saving over £500,000.
Councillor Sir Beville Stanier, cabinet member for environment and health, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement to have been shortlisted for the award and we’re delighted to have been recognised for the work we have put in.
“This commendation, combined with the recent statistics which show that we have more than doubled how much recycling we collect, should make residents feel extremely proud of their sterling efforts.”
The recycling and waste service was designed to increase the range of recyclable waste collected from households and reduce the overall amount sent to landfill. At the same time the council aimed to achieve significant savings by transforming and modernising working practices.
Food waste which is collected weekly from all households can now be put into a food waste bin, and goes to an anaerobic digestion plant, where it is turned into electricity.
And garden waste including grass, leaves and twigs, is now taken away to be composted following the introduction of paid-for garden waste collections.
The winner of the Local Authority Team of the Year award will be announced on 3 July.
For further information on recycling, please visit www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/recycling