A new campaign will seek to get Scousers talking about their bins in a bid to improve Liverpool’s bad habits when it comes to recycling.
Liverpool is the second-worst city in the UK for recycling, according to figures published by the City Council. Only 17.9% of waste is recycled here, compared to the average 42% from other cities.
To mark National Recycle Week, which runs from 22nd September to 28th September, Liverpool City Council has launched the campaign “We’re Talking Bins” to educate residents about what should be put in our blue bins – and what shouldn’t.
This year’s theme for Recycle Week is ‘missed capture’ – aiming to focus on items that are binned in general waste, but that could be recycled.
Council leaders are hoping the 6-month initiative will lead to Liverpool moving up in the rankings and becoming a greener city.
As part of the initiative, 15,000 households will receive a free weekly food waste collection service.
This should encourage residents to reduce waste and put scraps to use, in hopes to reduce the amount of food waste being put in purple bins.
The wasted food collected can be turned into biogas and used in heating, electricity, transport and other things to benefit the city.
To launch the campaign, a third Liver Bird has been unveiled in the city, built from recycled bottles, cans and boxes.
If successful, the initiative could mean Liverpool’s residents change their habits, losing its reputation as the second-worse city for recycling, and aiming to set an example for other cities facing similar challenges.
