Waveney District Council is celebrating a magic milestone having broken through the 50% figure for its recycling performance. For the first time ever, more waste is being recycled in Waveney than is going to landfill.

Councillor Ken Sale, Portfolio Holder for the Built Environment said: “This is great news! A real landmark has been reached and surpassed. This is a genuine success story for Waveney and a true team effort, involving the Council and residents alike. We can all be really proud of this achievement and hopefully it will inspire us to do more.”

Following the introduction of the three-bin scheme, Waveney District Council has seen its household recycling performance improve for four consecutive years (based on audited figures released annually by DEFRA). Last year, the Council’s final audited figure was 48.4%, up from 46.6% in 2005-06 and 34% in 04-05. So far this year, Waveney is achieving just above 51%.

Cllr Ken Sale continued: “I would like to say a big thank you to our recycling team who work hard to educate, inform and encourage recycling. They put in huge efforts behind the scenes to ensure that we can take advantage of the very latest reprocessing methods and introduce even more items to the long list of things we can divert from landfill.

“They have recently introduced changes to the way waste is collected from the green bins. Finding a reprocessor that can compost all organic waste has meant that we can now put food waste (cooked and uncooked) into the green bin, as well as green garden waste.

“The refuse team also plays an crucial role, collecting recyclables and ensuring that waste is being placed in the correct bin. Putting the wrong rubbish in the wrong bin causes recyclable material to become contaminated, which can lead to it being rejected and ultimately ending up in landfill. Their work is vital in ensuring that the efforts of residents are not wasted.

“Waveney District Council continues to set the very highest standards for its recycling service and our residents continue to respond. Thanks to their support, we are among the best councils in the country for reducing and recycling waste. But we need to do even better to cut the amount of rubbish being sent to landfill sites.”


To help residents make the best use of the service brought to their doorstep, WDC have produced a comprehensive (but not exhaustive) lists of what can be put in each of the three bins. Did you know for example that junk mail, complete with its plastic widows, is accepted in the blue bin, as are plastic wine corks and telephone directories?

Cllr Sale continued: “We would ask residents to take the time to look through the lists. You might consider yourself an avid recycler, but you may not be aware of the actual breadth of material that we can take away in your blue or green bin.”

For details of the food waste collection scheme and what is accepted in your blue, green and black bins visit the Environment pages at www.waveney.gov.uk or follow the food waste link on the home page. Alternatively, you can put your recycling questions to one of the team:
email: recycling@waveney.gov.uk or call 01502 523 561.