Wednesday, March 24th 2004

Recycling Scheme is a Towering Success

(Mini Recycling Centre at the Benmore Estate.)

The innovative high rise recycling scheme operating in the Lee Bank and Attwood Green areas of Birmingham celebrated its first anniversary in February this year.

The scheme involves 1000 residents in high and medium rise flats from four estates (Benmore, Central Lee Bank and the two Sentinels tower blocks) and enables them to recycle old newspapers, magazines, cans and glass bottles & jars in special mini-recycling centres provided close to their blocks.

In the first year, a total of 11.35 tonnes of materials were collected for recycling, the equivalent of 12kg per flat (or 48 coffee jars!). Ann Brookman Project Co-ordinator at Brumcan said 'We are delighted with the success of the scheme and the enthusiasm of the residents who have supported the introduction of recycling so well'.

ENDS.

Notes to Editors :

1. Brumcan is a Birmingham based community recycling business, established in 1991 by Friends of the Earth. The organisation integrates education and community involvement activities with practical collection and recycling services. www.brumcan.co.uk

2. The first year of the Birmingham Estates Recycling Pilot Project was funded by money from the DEFRA £140million Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund. Continuation of the scheme has been possible through funding secured from the ERDF. The scheme is supported by Birmingham City Council and the Optima Community Association. A total of 13 mini-recycling centres have been set up to serve the residents of high and medium rise flats from the Benmore Avenue and District Residents Association (BADRA); Central Lee Bank Residents Association (CLBRA); The Sentinels Residents Association, Clydesdale Tower and Tenants and Residents of Cleveland Tower (TRACT). Residents will be able to recycle glass bottles and jars, aluminium cans, tinfoil, clean food cans, newspapers and magazines. Proceeds from the sale of the materials collected will be split between Brumcan and the relevant Residents Association.

3. For more information contact: Lorna Langdon, General Manager TEL 0121 326 3061 (lorna@brumcan.co.uk), Ann Brookman, Waste Action Project Co ordinator,TEL 0121 326 3064 (ann@brumcan.co.uk), Claire Atkins, Kerbside Co-OrdinatorTEL 0121 326 3060 (claire@brumcan.co.uk)

4. Recycling for flats - case studies of recycling schemes for housing estates, high-rise blocks and other areas of high-density housing. Study commissioned by DEFRA, waste Implementation Programme and the Local Authority Support Unit. Brumcan is one of the case studies mentioned in the report, which can be access on -line from :

http://lasupport.defra.gov.uk/Modules/Main/RelatedDocuments/Estates.pdf