Garden waste plans aim to make Northumberland greener

12.00.00am GMT Fri 5th Mar 2010

A LEADING Councillor in Northumberland is urging gardeners in the County to use a garden waste recycling service to help make the area a green beacon for the rest of the country.

Northumberland plans to cut drastically the amount of waste dumped in landfill sites. The Liberal Democrat leadership of the Council are aiming to divert 11 out of every 12 tonnes of household waste into recycling, energy from waste and composting.

Garden green waste collections will start again in mid March to coincide with the growing season.

Residents who pay £20 an year can have their grass, hedge and garden trimmings collected every fortnight by Northumberland Council. The waste is converted into compost which is used locally, rather than put into landfill sites.

Councillor Alan Thompson, Council Cabinet member for the Environment, said, "In Northumberland we are determined to ensure our county is a leader in the battle to protect the environment.

"We can't go on dumping so much rubbish into holes in the ground. Turning garden waste into compost not only cuts the amount we put into landfill, it saves us money as well.

"The Government charges a tax on rubbish going into landfill. By composting the waste instead we avoid paying the tax. We also save money by cutting the compost we buy for our local parks.

"So using the garden waste system is good for the environment and good for the pockets of taxpayers."

Residents of Northumberland who want to sign up for the garden waste recycling service can call 0845 600 6400 or go to www.northumberland.gov.uk/garden.