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Harborough Green Box Recycling System

Since August 2000, a fortnightly household collection of many types of paper, tins, cans, bottles and jars has helped Harborough District residents to recycle over 750 tonnes of waste. The area covered by the system is gradually being increased. For more information, there is a freephone Recycle Helpline on 0800 068 8226.

Why Recycle?

  • Saves resources - Consumption of natural resources, such as iron and oil can be reduced.
  • Saves energy - The manufacturing processes of most goods from raw materials use energy and indirectly this can cause pollution or other environmental hazards. Recycling of glass can save over 20% of the energy required in manufacture. For aluminium cans, recycling can save over 90% of the energy involved.
  • Avoids spoiling our land - Much rubbish that is not recycled gets buried in the ground and can take decades to rot away. The amount of space suitable for this is limited and, strictly speaking, there is nowhere really suitable for putting these waste tips or 'landfills', as they are called. Rotting often produces chemicals and gases, such as methane, which do not help the environment.

What Else?

Recycling banks and skips are found near many supermarkets and public places. Please see what is near you and try to recycle the type of items being collected there.

If you have a garden, try to get a compost facility going and put vegetable waste from the kitchen there.

Use traditional terry towelling nappies for babies instead of disposables. This may also save you quite a lot of money and be healthier for baby skin! Ask for advice from midwives, health visitors or local environmental protection groups or from other mothers and relatives. There are nappy washing services available in many areas, if you prefer an easier solution, which is still 'green'.

Also consider using low energy lightbulbs and eating more organically produced food.
28 January 2001

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Copyright - John Peirson 2001
Keywords - Recycling, recycle, waste, resources, energy, raw materials, pollution, methane, environment, hazard,
compost, vegetable, nappies, terry, washing, disposable, lightbulb, organic, food