South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council : Environmental Issues on the Agenda

An opportunity to find out what can and can't be recycled in blue bins across South Tyneside is on offer next week.

Members of Hebburn Community Area Forum will be given a presentation on the blue bin recycling service where people can recycle newspapers and magazines, glass bottles and jars, cans, plastic bottles and tubs, cardboard and small electrical items.

A report to councillors highlights that recycled material is used in a number of ways from cardboard being turned into packaging or kitchen rolls and food and drinks cans being used in construction and the car industry.

However, Members will be told that the wrong items are still being put in the recycling bins. Nappies, food waste, clothing and garden waste are the type of inappropriate items typically found in blue bins. This material can contaminate a whole load, costing the Council more than £800 for every load that is rejected.

Councillor Richard Porthouse, Chair of Hebburn CAF, said: 'We do appreciate the efforts our residents make to do their bit for the planet by recycling.

'However, our recycling rates are still behind those of neighbouring areas and we want to help people understand how to become better at recycling. I would urge people to come along to this meeting to find out more.'

Members will also receive a presentation on the Monkton flood alleviation scheme. Around 100 households and commercial properties will benefit from the scheme which is being developed to reduce the risk of flooding across the Monkton and Hebburn South areas of the Borough.

Measures include improved drainage, swales and grassed attenuation basins, which have a wider social and environmental benefit. A section of the Bede Burn will also be opened up which will improve the visual amenity of the open area. The Tyne Rivers Trust, along with other partners, will also be working with local schools and residents to landscape this area.

Councillor Porthouse added: 'This area has experienced flooding in the past and, while we can never guarantee that it will not flood again, these measures will provide additional protection. I would urge local residents to come along and find out more about the scheme.'

The CAF meeting will be held on Monday 15 January at 10am at Hebburn Central. All are welcome.