Market traders at St Ives market are being encouraged to recycle more of their waste as part of a pilot scheme run by Huntingdonshire District Council. The scheme is part of the business resource efficiency and waste programme funded by DEFRA as part of a government initiative to increase business waste recycling.

Last week two commercial waste recycling officers visited the market to begin the trial, which consisted of sets of three bins, one for cardboard, one for green waste and other one for general waste placed in five locations throughout the market.

The market currently generates one tonne of cardboard each a month, all of which goes to landfill which can be costly. If the trial is successful and gets introduced on a permanent basis it will improve the tidiness and efficiency of the current refuse collection at the market and significantly reduce the cost of disposing of the waste in a landfill site.

Tim Knowles Commercial Waste Recycling Officer said; ”We hope the trial produces good results, which will allow us to provide a viable, cost-effective recycling scheme for the market which currently has no recycling options. This trial proves that communal recycling for businesses is possible, providing businesses are willing to get involved, in much the same way that residents currently do”.

Councillor Colin Hyams, whose executive responsibilities include waste and recycling said; “Our recycling scheme has already proved an enormous success with domestic waste, and has helped us exceed our recycling targets. Although we are fourth in the league it is difficult to maintain that position. I would like to go up in the table and will be exploring new ways of doing that in the new year.

He added; ”This trial is a further extension of what we already do and is a visible demonstration of our council’s commitment to reducing waste and the use of landfill sites. It is important that the market should reflect the same high environmental standards for recycling that we are pursuing with our residents.”

The officers are examining further options and would like to involve waste contractors to provide a waste recycling service on a regular basis, which could possibly be provided countywide in the future.

If you are a small or medium local business and are interested in recycling your business waste contact Darren or Tim on (01480) 388388 or by E-mail using the link on the right, for more information.