I HAVE read with interest and concern the letter by Councillor Dickinson which implies that efforts towards an improved recycling rate are being wasted.

It is true to say that the 7,000 home initial service was a trial collection and much has been learned from that exercise. Primarily it was surprising that the trial revealed that only six per cent of the total waste collected via the round represented cans.

The subsequent increased service to 21,000 further homes in the borough, albeit for paper collection only, now means that 35 per cent of the borough receives a recycling collection, a figure that is planned to rise by at least a further eight per cent during this financial year. If can collection had remained then only half the additional homes could be served and it follows approximately a 50 per cent reduction in the overall waste (in tonnes) being recycled via the recycling rounds.

If plans materialise for the Material Reclamation Facility then many other recyclables will be collected and a review of the receptacle used by householders necessary. The facility will demand a feedstock of many different recyclables, hopefully including plastic bottles. It is important, therefore, that the present kerbside box is viewed as a short-term provision whilst improved recycling infrastructure is planned and implemented.

It is good news that so far the participation rate within the new properties served with a recycling round is good, this is without the reinforcement campaign planned for neighbourhood schools and groups.

It is clear then that we are not turning our backs on further recycling but ensuring that money spent today provides the best possible return in diverting waste from landfill and does not prejudice future decisions as to what to recycle.

COUNCILLOR FIONUALA FOLEY

Lead Member for Swindon Services

Carlton Gate, Broome Manor