Birmingham City Council aims to improve recycling rates among students

15 April 2011

Birmingham City Council has installed two Taylor Street Recycling centres as part of its plan to increase recycling rates in the residential area of Bournbrook, adjacent to the University of Birmingham's main campus

Although newly installed, the Street recycling units, provided for glass/cans and paper/card, are already making an impact, with residents and students in the area using them enthusiastically.

Mark Airey, Selly Oak constituency manager for Fleet & Waste Management, Birmingham City Council says: "The bins are proving to be extremely popular, especially the one for paper and we have had to arrange for weekly collections of the paper/card unit."

Prior to the new recycling scheme, residents and student houses in the Bournbrook area were given separate recycling boxes, which were collected fortnightly. Birmingham City Council felt that this method was inefficient, as the recycling was often contaminated and the number of boxes left out was unsightly.

Public Pressure

With increasing public pressure to provide facilities for recycling and waste disposal that are easily accessible in urban areas, Taylor has developed the Street housing for its flagship continental container.

The Taylor Street waste container is designed with an aim to blend into its surroundings, whilst being clearly labeled, allowing for simple collection.

Developed in conjunction with some of Europe's leading urban designers, Taylor Street aims to create a focal point for waste and recycling collection that is pleasant to use and easy to empty.

The Street units have been placed in Bournbrook as a trial until the end of the academic year in June. With one month of the trial complete the results are already beginning to look positive.

For more information on Taylor Bins go to www.taylorbins.co.uk

Darrel Moore