Europe Acknowledges Milton Keynes' Excellence in Recycling

12.00.00am GMT Wed 22nd Nov 2006

Recycling excellence in Milton Keynes was recognised by waste experts during a recent visit by a high-powered European delegation. The delegates from Romania were invited to the town by EU waste consultants Jacobs to study Milton Keynes Council's innovative and 'best practice' approach to recycling.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Douglas McCall, cabinet member responsible for recycling and cleansing, welcomed the visitors who were keen to see the city's recycling operation at first hand.

Councillor McCall said: "I am proud Milton Keynes was recognised by EU advisers for our excellent record on recycling and for using industry-leading methods of collection."

The delegates visited Wavendon Gate to watch street collections of both normal and recyclable waste using a more energy-efficient single truck (most councils use two trucks) and the garden waste system. They also visited the recycling plant at Old Wolverton where metals, plastics and paper are sorted from the pink bags, New Bradwell Community recycling centre and a local farm used to turn garden waste into compost.

Jacobs technical director Lee Robinson, appointed by the EU to advise one of Romania's largest councils, said: "We chose Milton Keynes because it is one of the finest examples of best recycling practice in the UK."

In Milton Keynes recycling and composting is expected to hit 36% of waste produced and 86% of residents participate.