Peterborough named as one of six UK ‘Zero Waste Places’ by Environment Minister today…

This news comes as the city is on the cusp of formally launching its ambition to create the UK’s Environment Capital in November.

Environment Minister Jane Kennedy made the announcement as part of the governments’ Waste Strategy. The Zero Waste Places will aim to go as far as possible in reducing the environmental impact of waste, whether it be at home, in the workplace or in the community.

In Peterborough the project is being run by Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT), the environmental charity aiming to create a truly sustainable Peterborough.

The project will focus on Cathedral Square and the three streets leading from it (Bridge Street, Cowgate and Long Causeway), including the Queensgate Shopping Centre, encompassing more than 200 retailers and offices, including the Town Hall and council offices.

Hugh Cripps, Chief Executive of PECT, is delighted with the news, he said, “This project will see innovative new methods of waste reduction piloted in Peterborough’s City Centre. Peterborough will be an exemplar of good environmental practice on all waste.

“This is a real feather in the cap as Peterborough heads towards the formal announcement of our intention to create the UK’s Environment Capital on 19^th November 2008.”

Jane Kennedy said, “Across England, we are seeing communities come together with innovative ideas and a shared determination to tackle waste locally.

“These six zero waste places will test what can be done to make it easier for people and businesses to change the way they view and deal with waste”

The project in Peterborough will kick off with a partner meeting later this month.

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The other zero waste places are: The London Borough of Brent, Shenley Church End in Milton Keynes, Kings Lynn in Norfolk, The London Borough of Lewisham, The West Midlands.