Bin trucks drive home recycling message across Tameside

Bin trucks are taking centre stage in Tameside’s latest push to boost recycling rates, as part of a campaign encouraging residents to rinse and recycle their plastic pots, tubs and trays.

Tameside Council began accepting plastic pots, tubs and trays in residents’ black mixed recycling bins in 2024. While the message has already been widely shared, the council has teamed up with Recycle for Greater Manchester (R4GM) to take the campaign directly into neighbourhoods – by displaying the eye-catching reminder on two of its bin trucks.

The vehicles, now decorated with the recycling message, are travelling through communities across the borough, helping to ensure residents are aware of what can be recycled from their homes.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods, Cllr Laura Boyle, said: “I know lots of residents are already doing a brilliant job recycling their plastic pots, tubs and trays, but not everyone is aware they can, so we want to ensure we reach everyone with the message.

“The bin trucks are really eye-catching and a great way of bringing the message right to people’s doorsteps, helping to reach residents who may not have seen the campaign online or while out and about. They also serve as a reminder to the rest of us to keep up our recycling efforts.

“Thank you to everyone who recycles their waste – it helps the environment and it also helps to save money from expensive waste disposal charges, safeguarding public funds for key services that are important to residents.”

Plastic pots, tubs and trays can be recycled alongside plastic bottles, aerosols, foil, foil trays, drink cans, food tins, and glass bottles and jars in the black mixed recycling bin.

Once collected, mixed recycling is delivered to Recycle for Greater Manchester’s Materials Recovery Facility in Sharston, Manchester. There, the materials are sorted, with plastic pots, tubs and trays separated and sent to a specialist processor, where they are turned into plastic pellets to be used in the manufacture of new products.

Residents are being reminded to rinse out their recycling before placing it in the bin. Items covered in food are less likely to be recycled, and leftover food waste can also damage sorting equipment at the materials recovery facility.

For more information about recycling and bin collections in Tameside, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/recycling.