A FORTNIGHTLY collection of glass jars and bottles has started in the district, as Epping Forest Council looks to reach the Government-imposed recycling target of 30 per cent of all household waste by March next year.
Homes in Epping, Waltham Abbey, Loughton, Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, Ongar, Roydon and Nazeing are involved in the scheme, using council-issued clear plastic sacks for card, paper, textiles and cans, which until now have been put in the blue boxes.
The sacks must only be used for recyclables and clear sacks containing other household waste will not be collected.
The blue boxes are now for the collection of glass bottles and jars, although heat resistant Pyrex-type glass should not be included.
Collections will take place on the normal recycling collection day but will be carried out by separate vehicles to ensure the glass does not contaminate other recyclables.
If the scheme proves successful it may be extended to other areas across the district.
People not included in the scheme are encouraged to continue to use the bottle banks or the county council civic amenity sites. Environmental protection portfolio holder Derek Jacobs said: "I know that many people want to recycle more and this new scheme should help them do so and help us to reach our recycling target.
"I am sure our residents will soon get used to the new arrangements and help to cut down even more on the amount of waste that goes to landfill sites."
