Press and Media

 

Press Release 7 February 2006

Source: WASTE4RECYCLING with the support of BRAINTREE DISTRICT COUNCIL

Rewards for Recycling

Householders in Essex will be able to support a local project by recycling using a new and innovative eco-bin.

1000 households will use the eco-bin for recycling and as a result up to £20K will be given to a variety of local community projects or donated to hospices and schools. 

The eco-bin was invented by Essex eco-entrepreneur, Chris Moon, and was a finalist in the East of England Development Agency’s Run the Gauntlet competition judged by Doug Richard of BBC2 Dragons’ Den fame. The bin has a fantastic futuristic design and is made from recycled plastic.

The eco-bin trials are commencing in February and local councils participating in the trials have been asked to identify streets that could benefit from such a way of motivating more households to recycle. Following coverage on BBC Essex Radio there has been a massive positive response across Essex:

“We were looking for people of all backgrounds and types of household to take part, says Chris Moon. The aim is to make it easier and more convenient for everyone to recycle at home and inspire them by offering rewards. The main aim has been to support local charitable projects so that people can really see their recycling having an impact.”

Clusters of households were needed in order to make the collection of the recycling easier but apart from that no special requirement was needed for householders to take part.

Every household chosen is receiving an eco-bin free of charge along with colourful stickers that children love to use, a user guide, and a book on reduce/reuse/recycle – all free of charge. Each household will be briefed on how to use the eco-bin and materials to collect over a three to four week period which they will place in specially provided orange sacks so that they can be taken away and weighed. Householders will complete an anonymous questionnaire on their experience.

Ends.

Notes for editors.

1. There will be press and media opportunities to interview families/others taking part in the trials. Please contact Waste4Recycling on 0781 161 6393.

2. The field trials have been funded by Defra, The Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Press Office: 020 7238 5391.

3. Braintree District Council has signed the Zero Waste Charter and is acting as lead authority for Essex in the trials. Press officer: Chris Trim 01376 551414.

4. Essex eco-entrepreneur, Chris Moon, can be contacted at Waste4Recycling on 0781 161 6393.

5. JPEG photos available on request. E-mail info@eco-bin.com

Essex eco-entrepreneur, Chris Moon, receiving an award from Doug Richard of BBC2 Dragons’ Den.

The eco-bin prototype being used in school and in the home.

Reduce Reuse Recycle book free with every trial.