The sky’s the limit when it comes to recycling!

Date published: 04 April 2011

The height barrier at Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority’s (GMWDA) Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) has increased to 2 metres (approximately 6’6”) to help GMWDA fulfill its ambition of zero waste to landfill. The height was previously set at 6ft 1inch and the increase on the 1st April 2011 will enable residents with people carriers and large domestic vehicles, plus many who have adapted vehicles, access to all the recycling facilities.

The increase will not only help to increase recycling rates, but will reduce residents’ journey times to the site, by enabling site users’ to access their nearest site, rather than previously, where only selected sites accepted high sided vehicles.

GMWDA uses height barriers at HWRCs to deter traders illegally using the sites; HWRCs are provided and paid for by householders through their council tax.

John Bland, Treasurer and Deputy Clerk to GMWDA said: “We aim to maximise recycling rates in Greater Manchester and increasing the height of the barrier will allow more residents to recycle up to 23 different categories of waste.

"Our ambition is zero waste to landfill and we need all residents to get involved if we are to achieve it.”

Joe Malone from Trafford drives a high sided vehicle and commented: “An increase to 2 metres will be most welcome by drivers’ with high sided vehicles such as people carriers, and it is even better that they can now visit a HWRC closer to their home, instead of having to travel further to recycle their waste.”

Bert Allman from Tameside said: “I am very pleased that the height has increased, as it’s now easier for residents to access the sites. The recent redevelopments at my local facility in Bredbury look great and the layout is a heck of a lot better.”

The new height, coupled with the installation of number plate recognition technology and the current meet and greet policy (a site operative meets and greets residents’ at the entrance of the site) will deter potential trade waste abuse, which will ultimately protect the public purse and ensure we are getting the best value for Council Tax payers.