For this year’s national Recycle Week Sandwell Council and its environmental services partner Serco are thanking residents for their ongoing recycling efforts despite the challenges faced this year.

Recycle Week is held annually in September and the waste partnership is encouraging residents to keep up their good work and continue to recycle as much as possible.

During the pandemic recycling figures in Sandwell have soared, with blue lid recycling increasing by up to 60%.

Cardboard and food packaging will have seen an increase with more people at home receiving deliveries and consuming food and drink in the home, rather than at workplaces, hospitality venues or schools. Councillor Maria Crompton, deputy leader for Sandwell Council, said:

“This year has been a challenge for us all but doing our bit for the environment must stay on the radar and it’s pleasing to see residents in Sandwell are continuing with this commitment.

“There are many day-to-day items that can be placed in the blue lid bin recycling such as drinks cans, food tins, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles, paper and cardboard.

“If it cannot be accepted in the blue lid recycling bin, there are more options for recycling at the tip in Oldbury. Items such as clothing, electricals and wood can all be recycled. The site is working really well with a booking system to manage numbers and keep everyone as safe as possible during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“I also want to take this opportunity to thank our waste and recycling crews who have carried on working throughout. The circumstances have been challenging but all the friendly waves, notes and cards left out for them was heart-warming.”

The types of items which can be recycled in the blue-lid bin are:

• drink cans and food tins
• plastic bottles and tubs
• glass bottles and tubs
• foil trays and aerosols
• newspapers and magazines
• card and cardboard boxes

During Recycle Week, residents can email recycle@serco.com and send photos or a description of any items of rubbish they want to find out if it can or can’t be recycled.

More information on waste and recycling in Sandwell can be found at sandwell.gov.uk/bins.