Best recycling council ‘caught mixing waste’

The waste management and recycling performance of the Three Rivers District council was questioned after collectors were seen mixing recyclable materials with landfill waste.

According to This is Hertfordshire, Amy Daws’ au pair caught staff for the council emptying the household’s recycling containers into a big black bag and stuffing it into the main bin.

The mother of two told the newspaper: "We are all busy people with better things to be doing than sorting through our rubbish.

"I am happy to do it because I care about the environment.

"But if they are just going to throw it out with the rest of the rubbish then, frankly, I think we have a right to know."

The district council has said that it is looking into the complaint, and environmental protection manager Alison Page said: "We are proud to have the highest recycling rate in Hertfordshire, currently at over 47 per cent.

"We are keen to increase this recycling rate to 50 per cent this year and therefore ensure that all eligible material is recycled."