| Reclaiming plastic bottles in Chesterfield Chesterfield Borough Council offer residents a bring scheme for the collection of plastic bottles for recycling. Plastic bottles and cans are deposited together, collected by the recycling charity ‘Sheffield Reclaim’,sorted, and baled for sale. The scheme is reported to be well used by both residents and non residents of the Borough.
Details Chesterfield is situated on the border of the Peak District National Park, in Derbyshire. Chesterfield Borough Council operate several recycling schemes for residents. Facilities for multi material recycling are provided at bring sites. There are a total of 80 bring sites which are classified as either ‘main’ or ‘mini’. Main sites are those at supermarkets and public car parks, where large containers for a wide range of materials are sited. Mini sites are located within walking distance of most borough residents and have smaller banks, usually for glass, paper and cans. Mixed plastic bottles and cans are collected together in a single container. They are deposited for recycling at a network of 24 bring sites situated across the local authority area. These are located at all main recycling sites with other banks strategically placed so they are accessible to the majority of people. 1100 litre or 1280 litre containers are emptied three times a week. In 2005/6, a total of 252 tonnes of plastic bottles were recovered for recycling. This is equivalent to 2.4 tonnes of material per bank, and 5.86kg of material per household. While the amount of material collected per bank is below UK average of 4.24 tonnes (05/06), the amount of material per household is 3kg above average, reflecting a good performance when compared with bring schemes servicing a similar size district . The banks in Chesterfield are reported to be continually overflowing, despite being serviced three times a week. It is thought that the bring sites are used by residents from neighbouring boroughs where there are limited or no facilities for plastic recycling available. The actual scheme performance is likely to be less than 2kg / household / year of plastic bottles which is comparable to other plastic bottle bring schemes in the UK. The collection banks are serviced and sorted by Sheffield Reclaim – a Sheffield based recycling charity supporting those with learning difficulties, mental health problems and other disabilities, by providing employment opportunities. The organisation recycles not only plastics and aluminium cans but also textiles. The steel cans are removed first using an overband magnet. The remaining material is separated manually on a picking line. Plastic bottles are baled mixed for sale. Sheffield Reclaim have recently moved to a new site and plan to install a new manual sorting line to allow plastic bottle sorting by polymer type. The revenue generated from the sale of the material is used to support and develop the growth of the charity and to fund training. Chesterfield Borough Council issue a quarterly publication where general recycling messages are emphasised but these are not specific to plastic recycling. A kerbside scheme operates in the majority of the borough collecting paper, glass, food and drink tins and cans. Material is source separated using different boxes and bags. A twin bin system is also in operation for the collection of green / organic waste and cardboard. Further information www.chesterfieldbc.gov.uk |