New statistics from Recycle Now show we care more about the environment than ever and are taking responsibility for protecting the environment by choosing to recycle. Across Nottinghamshire, Veolia, (Nottinghamshire County Council’s recycling and waste contractor) is aiming to help everyone take action and deliver huge change, particularly during Recyle Week – this week.

The theme for Recycle Now’s 17th annual Recycle Week is to thank everyone for continuing to recycle despite all that has happened this year. Statistics released by Recycle Now show that through lockdown the UK has become even more environmentally aware, with nearly 9 in 10 households saying they regularly recycle. Coming out of lockdown, more people are prepared to change their lifestyles to help the environment: 73%, up from 68% in 2019.

93% of UK households say they believe that everyone has a responsibility to help towards cleaning up the environment.

Coun Phil Rostance, vice-chairman of Communities and Place at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “It’s great to hear that more households are regularly recycling; we know that Nottinghamshire residents are keen to do their bit to help the environment. Recycle Week is our chance to celebrate the efforts made by residents to reduce, reuse and recycle more, whilst also saying thank you to our waste and collection services and the team at our Materials Recovery Facility in Mansfield, who have worked tirelessly to maintain and deliver services throughout the pandemic.

“Sign up for our emailme newsletters and follow us on social media for advice and tips on all things recycling related in Nottinghamshire.“

Lea Hawkes, general manager for Veolia Nottinghamshire, added: “We know that lots of Nottinghamshire residents have discovered a keen interest in the correct way to recycle at home and have been working with others to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible which is the best way to show thanks to all the waste and recycling key workers in the County.

“We’d encourage everyone to continue to share the recycling love and help us improve our great Nottinghamshire recycling ways by putting the right thing in the recycling bins (cans, tins, aerosols, paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, margarine tubs and yoghurt pots), presort their recyclables before heading to one of the County’s Recycling Centres, and of course to continue the friendly waves and praise for the collection crews and Recycling Centre staff.”

Peter Maddox, director, WRAP UK, said: “It’s fantastic to see that despite everything that has been thrown at them this year, more people than ever across the UK are taking responsibility for protecting the environment by choosing to recycle. This is something we can all do, wherever we live – an individual action that, when performed by everyone, adds up to a huge change.”

For more information about recycling in Nottinghamshire during Recycle Week visit www.veolia.co.uk/nottinghamshire/recycleweek