Between Monday 12 and Sunday 18 September, Durham County Council is teaming up with Recycle Now to highlight the everyday items that people might not realise can be recycled. From aerosol cans to cartons, people are being asked to look out for the unusual suspects and a series of events are being held across the week to help spread the message. The sessions will also highlight how old furniture can get a new lease of life with upcycling.
On Monday 12 September, 10.00am – 1.00pm, people are invited to the East Durham Partnership Furniture reuse group at Horden, SR8 4TQ where they will be given a tour and a demonstration on how to upcycle a piece of furniture.
The council’s strategic waste team will be in Durham City Market Place between 10.00am and 4.00pm on Thursday 15 September to answer any questions on recycling, reusing and composting. There’s also a free cotton shopping bag for anyone who pledges to recycle.
Dale and Valley Homes will be holding a shabby chic workshop on Friday 16 September, 10.00am – 1.00pm, at Mickle Grove Training Community Hub, Leeholme, DL14 8HH.
Booking is required for the furniture upcycle and shabby chic workshop. To book a place, email wasteaware@durham.gov.uk.
Recycling more helps to reduce pollution caused by waste, save energy and look after the environment.
If everyone in the UK recycled a toothpaste box and an aerosol can, enough energy would be saved to power a fridge in over 2,000 homes and a TV in over 151,000 homes for a year.
Vicky Bell, waste strategy and policy officer, said: “This Recycle Week we’re hoping to encourage as many people as possible to recycle even more across County Durham.
“People are often surprised to find out that items like aerosol cans can actually be recycled, cutting down waste and helping to improve our environment.”
People can get more information about what can be recycled by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/whatgoeswhere or www.facebook.com/recycleforcountydurham.