More homes to recycle plastic bottles

Barnsley Council has announced an expansion of its plastic bottle recycling scheme to try and increase recycling rates in the town.

A pilot scheme was launched with 14,000 properties in September last year and, from Tuesday a further 56,000 homes will receive the service.

Information leaflets will be delivered to homes in the affected areas over the coming days.

Darren Richardson, assistant director for highways, engineering and waste management at Barnsley Council, said: “We know that more people want to recycle and this expanded service means residents can put all their plastic bottles in their brown bin or green box along with glass bottles and cans.”

Plastic bottle recycling is currently available in Barugh, Brierley, Cudworth, Darton, Grimethorpe, Kexborough, Mapplewell, Shafton and Staincross.

From next week, the service will also be available in Athersley, Birdwell, Blacker Hill, Carlton, Cawthorne, Crow Edge, Cubley, Dodworth, Gawber, Gilroyd, Elsecar, Higham, Hemingfield, Honeywell, Hoyland, Hoylandswaine, Ingbirchworth, Jump, Kendray, Millhouse Green, Monk Bretton, New Lodge, Oxspring, Penistone, Pilley, Platts Common, Pogmoor, Redbrook, Royston, Silkstone, Silkstone Common, Smithies, Tankersley, Thurgoland, Thurlstone, Ward Green, Wilthorpe, Wombwell, Worsbrough Bridge, Worsbrough Common and Worsbrough Village.

The recycling service accepts ordinary plastic bottles but not juice cartons, yoghurt pots, plastic food packaging or any other plastic items.

A Barnsley Council spokesman added: “It is planned to roll out the service to remaining properties in the borough in the autumn.

“In the meantime, residents can take plastic bottles to household waste recycling centres.”