Recycle Week 2020: ‘Together we recycle – this year and every year’

Saying ‘thank you’ to residents for continuing to recycle as the world changed around us; that’s the theme of this year’s Recycle Week (21-27 September 2020).

The four South London Waste Partnership boroughs of Croydon, Kingston, Merton and Sutton are proud to support Recycle Week, now in its 17th year. Under the banner ‘Together we recycle’, this year’s campaign celebrates the fact that across the country people have continued to sort their household waste for recycling during what has been a year like no other.

An eye-catching social media campaign, delivered in partnership with London Recycles, will carry the thank-you message far and wide across the South London Waste Partnership region.

Meanwhile, the boroughs’ collections partner, Veolia, is encouraging residents to use Recycle Week as an opportunity to expand their recycling knowledge by taking part in an online ‘Wonder Day’, where they can learn more about the recycling process, watch myth-busting videos and get top tips on how to recycle right. To find out more visit: www.veolia.co.uk/london/wonderday

Councillor Hilary Gander, Chair of the South London Waste Partnership Joint Committee, said:

“The ‘thank you’ message behind this year’s Recycle Week is certainly apt. I’m pleased and thankful that residents across our region stuck to their good recycling habits as the world changed around us. I’m also incredibly grateful to all the collections and street cleaning crews who continued to empty our bins, even during the height of the pandemic. As we learn to live with coronavirus, it’s still so important that we all continue to do whatever we can to waste less and recycle more.”

Tim Duret, Technology and Organics Director from Veolia said:

“This Recycle Week, we’re taking the opportunity to thank the public for continuing to recycle. 2020 has been the year that the environment has taken centre stage and sustainability is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Spending more time at home has led to a renewed appreciation of our resources and the key workers delivering recycling services. To build on this momentum, we’re inviting all residents to join us on the road to a green recovery, by attending our online Wonder Day, where they can learn even more about the importance of recycling.”

Recycle Week 2020 will also see the launch of ‘Recycling Rockstars’; a digital e-learning package for primary schools in Croydon, Kingston, Merton and Sutton that has been developed by Veolia.

The free package will talk Key Stage 2 students through the journey of their recycling and waste from collection to disposal. The programme includes activities and information about how to reduce, reuse and recycle and it aims to encourage pupils to reflect on their own recycling behaviours and attitudes. Local schools interested in getting involved should get in touch via email: [email protected]

Councillor Gander concludes:

“I’m pleased to see the launch of the Recycling Rockstars e-learning package; a worthy alternative to Veolia’s popular school visits that unfortunately can’t take place this year. I would encourage all local schools to get involved – it’s absolutely vital that our youngest residents understand the importance of and become advocates for reducing, reusing and recycling.”

Ends.