City introduces glass recycling in green bins

The changes will take effect from August 1

Households in Leeds will be able to recycle glass in their green bins from August 1, the city council has confirmed.

The glass collected will be recycled and turned into new bottles and jars within a month, the council said.

It added the move could save about 2,600 tonnes of carbon per year, as currently more than half of glass bottles and jars in Leeds are put in general waste bins and incinerated.

Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green spaces, said: "It will be a win-win all round and we can’t wait to get it started."

The city's existing network of more than 700 bottle banks would remain in place, the council said.

Mr Rafique said the move would "help make a significant difference to our recycling rates and benefit the environment and the local economy".

He added: "This is part of providing simpler recycling opportunities and choices for Leeds residents, without creating more bins for them to manage and put out on the streets."

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