Recycling centres

You don't know what to do with it? Then ask for advice.

Recycling advisors are now on hand at the Mile Cross Recycling Centre, in Norwich, ready to help customers.

Melanie Kerr, Nicola Young, Tom Beagan and James Doughty, all environmental graduates, have all been on duty at the Swanton Road recycling centre since July.

LEFT TO RIGHT: James Doughty, Melanie Kerr, Nicola Young and Tom Beagan.

Walking up and down the line of cars outside and offering help within the centre itself, the team is part of a new project to improve customer service and throughput of traffic.

Other improvements include new signs, staff uniforms, CCTV and opportunities to recycle fluorescent tubes, batteries and TetraPak cartons.

Norfolk County Council’s recycling supervisor Dan Jacobs, explained: "The idea is that the advisors meet and greet the customers and advise them on what can be recycled here - and which bays it should be taken to.

"So far the project has proved very successful and we have had some great feedback."

Melanie said the biggest difference made by the advisors was in the reduction of waiting time.

"People aren't sitting in the queue for ages and are finding that once they get into the centre they know exactly where to go. I think because they can see we are doing our best to help them they are much happier." she said.

From furniture to clothing and from gardening waste to household waste, the advisors see all sorts of unwanted items and materials come through the centre.

"If something is in good condition then we advise them to use Freecycle, the Salvation Army or another organisation where it can be re-used," said Tom.

DIY waste is restricted to one 80litre sack or one item (e.g a sink) per week.

"We do tell them where they can take these items to," explained James. "I think the fact that we are not simply saying 'no you can't leave it' but are offering further advice is useful."

Half empty pots of paint should not be left - but once customers have been advised to take the paint home, let it dry out without the lid on and then bring it back, they are usually happy.

"We are giving people a solution and trying to make things as simple and easy as possible for them," said Nicola. "Having us here makes the job easier for the staff who run the centre and for those bringing waste."

What do the customers think?

James Collins, Norwich
I think it's a great idea having the advisors. I would prefer to be told I can't leave what I've brought as soon as possible instead of sitting in a queue and then finding out

David Trepte, Norwich
I use the centre a lot to bring garden waste and tend to know what's OK - but I can see this system is very useful for others.

Margaret Tegg, Norwich
I think we now only wait about half the time that we used to before we had the recycling advisors.

Melvyn Bale, Norwich
It seems to keep things moving having them here. People like being told where to leave things then they can be in and out quickly.

Hold on to your paint!

From 31 December 2006 unwanted paint can no longer be taken for reuse by the charity scheme Community RePaint Norfolk.

You will NOT be able to take paint to the collection points at:
B&Q, Norwich
B&Q, Great Yarmouth
Homebase, Dereham - collections already stopped from this point.

New collection points for household paint will be opening across Norfolk from April 2007.

Please contact Norfolk County Council on 0844 8008004 nearer the time to find your nearest collection point.