Make Recycling your Goal during the World Cup

Arguably, the biggest event in the sporting calendar will begin tomorrow with the first World Cup match between hosts South Africa and Mexico. Throughout the tournament the 10 districts of Greater Manchester, Viridor Laing (Greater Manchester) Limited and Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA) are teaming up to encourage Greater Manchester residents to join together, to put the region at the top of the recycling league. 

Thousands of residents across Greater Manchester are likely to stock up on refreshments and food ready to cheer on their chosen team during the tournament. As a result, millions of cans, plastic and glass bottles are expected to be thrown away, but fans in Greater Manchester are being encouraged to maximise their recycling, either using their doorstep collection service or by visiting their local Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC’s).

In line with the current Love Food Hate Waste promotions which are ongoing throughout Greater Manchester, residents are also encouraged to consider portion sizes during their World Cup parties, and think of ways to use up any leftovers, for example using sausages, chicken and any other leftover meats in a pasta dish or vegetables in soups.

Unlike the English national football team, who are one of the favourites to lift the World Cup this year, the UK remains behind other nations in terms of its recycling figures. Currently, the champion recycler is Switzerland, while
Austria and Germany follow closely behind. Although the UK’s recycling levels are improving (they have more than trebled since 1997 when only 7% of waste was recycled), it is important that this progress is maintained and Recycle for Greater Manchester want this to continue across the whole of Greater Manchester.

Recycling in Greater Manchester has never been easier. The Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA) has seen the redevelopment or complete rebuild of eighteen of its Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) in the past year, in a drive to increase recycling levels throughout the region. For more information and to find your nearest facility, visit http://www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com. There is a four stream waste system throughout Greater Manchester, and the waste collection services the district councils provide, make it easier for residents to recycle their household waste.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Chair of GMWDA Said: “Many would argue that the World Cup is the biggest sporting event that there is and it is great that so many people get involved and are passionate. Big events like this are also an opportunity to spread messages of recycling and how we can help to make Greater Manchester the best that it can be in reducing waste and increasing recycling rates.”

Peter Heginbotham, Chairman at Viridor Laing (Greater Manchester) Limited (VLGM)added: “I like to be as passionate about recycling as I am about football and hope that others feel the same. The World Cup is an important part of the football calendar but recycling should be a priority throughout the year.”