02/10/03 - More than 112 tonnes of material has been collected for recycling in the first month of Darlington Council's new kerbside recycling scheme.
The Council's three, 28-tonne kerbside collection lorries visited 15,000 homes in the first phase of the scheme which was launched on September 1. Glass, plastics, newspapers, cans and textiles were collected from homes in Skerne Park, Blackwell, Cockerton, Branksome, Whinfield, Merrybent and Sadberge.
Chris McEwan, the Council's Cabinet Member for Community Protection , said: "The first month has been really encouraging. Not only have we had a terrific response to the scheme but the attitude of the public has been great. People appreciate what we are trying to do and they have been really helpful."
The new scheme is supported with a programme of education for schools with many schools receiving visits from members of the recycling team to talk to pupils about the environmental benefits of recycling.
Councillor McEwan added: "We have to build on our early success because it's not about our achievements in the first month or even the first year. We are in this for the long haul so it's important that we support our work with education so that future generations will understand the benefits of recycling.
Phase two of the programme began this week and the third and final phase will be launched on November 1. Residents with enquiries about the new scheme can call the Recycling Hotline 01325 388777.