RECYCLING SPRINGS INTO ACTION

Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA) and Viridor Laing (Greater Manchester) Limited (VLGM) are encouraging people across Greater Manchester to recycle unwanted items following their annual spring clean.

The start of Spring is traditionally the time many people turn their thoughts to clearing out the things they no longer use or need. And those of us who use the onset of Spring as a perfect excuse to give our houses a good clean, can also help the environment, as many of our unwanted items we throw out can be recycled or better still, donated for re-use.

To help residents make the most of their spring clean, most Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) across Greater Manchester are staying open for longer on an evening. From Sunday 28th March, most HWRCs will be open 8am to 8pm daily.

Peter Heginbotham, Chairman at VLGM says: “Spring is often the time we put New Year resolutions to tidy our homes into action. With the days getting longer, VLGM wants to help residents get the most out of the day, which is why we have extended the opening times at the HWRCs to reflect British Summer Time.”

Councillor Swannick, Chair at GMWDA added “Recycling or donating unwanted items, not only creates more space in your home, but also diverts more waste from going to landfill sites which are quickly filling up.”

The 25 HWRCs across Greater Manchester, offer the facilities to recycle unwanted items such as glass bottles and jars, paper, card, wood, plastic bottles and clothes. Visit www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com to find out what your local HWRC accepts.

Top Tips:
Here are some top tips on how to de-clutter and recycle those unwanted possessions this Spring:
1. get two large coloured bags – use one to put items that can be recycled in and the other for things that can be donated to a charity shop
2. use cardboard boxes and plastic crates for temporary storage
3. know what things can be recycled – books, newspapers and magazines, junk mail, old bills and letters, furniture, unused paint and clothes are just some of the items that can be transformed
4. start with one room and clear the floor first
5. then move clutter in your cupboards, on top of cabinets, on top of/around fireplaces, on shelves, window ledges and on walls
6. don’t throw away old cupboards and units as wood can be used again. Check if your local recycling centre has a wood collection point
7. unwanted furniture may be able to go to another good home. Check if your local council provides a bulky rubbish collection or if your local HWRC has links with furniture recycling charities
8. don’t forget your garden this Spring. If you are having a garden tidy, remember to compost your dead plants and weeds

For further information about HWRCs, recycling and reducing your waste visit www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com and see what else you could do.