New glass bin collection sees recycling surge

Kerbside collections for glass began on 1 August

Nearly 70% of glass thrown away in Leeds is now recycled, following the introduction of kerbside collections, the council has said.

Since 1 August residents have been able to put glass in their household green bins.

It is recycled by being melted down into new bottles and jars in Yorkshire, saving more than 100 tonnes of carbon each month, a council spokesperson said.

Executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, councillor Mohammed Rafique, urged people to check their bin collection days over the Christmas period.

In October, almost 900 tonnes of glass was collected and recycled from the green bins - equivalent to 2m wine bottles or 5.5m beer bottles.

A council spokesperson said 68% of the city's glass is now recycled.

They encouraged residents to "make an extra effort" over the festive season to ensure glass was recycled rather than put in the black general waste bin.

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