Local bin men star in Broxtowe awareness campaign

Recycling rates in the Broxtowe Borough Council area are currently at 36% and with the Council’s commitment of reaching the national recycling rate target of 50% by 2027, its new drive, launched during Recycle Week 2024 (Opens in a new window), aims to promote simple tips and advice to help residents recycle right. 

The friendly faces of Broxtowe Borough Council refuse collectors, John, Damian and Karl, will feature in four light-hearted social media videos and on brightly coloured bin hangers and pizza box stickers, alongside key messages about contamination, plastics and glass. 

Contaminated waste is the Borough’s biggest challenge, such as pizza boxes with grease or food traces, nappies, Tetra Pak cartons, glass, shredded paper and textiles. Throwing any of these items in the recycling bin means the lorry load must be disposed of with general waste instead.

Councillor Helen Skinner, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, said: “We know that so many of our residents are keen to recycle but can find it confusing to know which bin or bag to use. This campaign aims to bring some simple tips to life in a fun and engaging way. Small changes can make a big difference.

“As a Council we’re fully committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2027 and recycling plays an important role in this. But we know we can’t reach our target alone and hope that local residents join us in building a greener future together.”

Broxtowe Refuse Collector John said: “We see so many people every day, from kids to older people, and love their waves and friendly chat on our rounds. Being part of this campaign is an extension to this, and we hope that being involved helps get some important recycling messages across in a fun way.”

Broxtowe Refuse Collector Damian said: “There are some things people don’t know - like we can’t recycle anything that is thrown away in plastic bin bags. This campaign is about shining a light on the little things people can do to make sure their recyclables reach the correct destination.”

Broxtowe Refuse Collector Karl said: “We’d encourage people to check their bin sticker, bin calendar or the council website to make sure only the items on the list go in the recycling bin to help us get their waste to the right place - if in doubt, leave it out.”

The six-month campaign also includes a children’s art competition and activities backed by Broxtowe’s Youth Mayor Libby Bales, student engagement and regular messaging across social media and residents’ communication channels.