Card campaign smashes recycling targets

Set up last year by the Woodland Trust and the WRAP-administered Recycle Now campaign the card collection brought in over 82 million cards for recycling this year.

Organisers had been hoping to recycle 60 million cards, a modest increase on last year’s 58 million, but were overwhelmed by the response.

The success of the scheme has been credited to the fact that collection points were in well-used high street stores such as WHSmith and Tesco and the cause was taken on board by many schools and community groups which ones again upped the tonnage.

Woodland Trust trustee Dr Nicola Nicholls, added: “It is fantastic news that this year’s campaign has smashed all previous records.

“The final tonnage figures exceeded the 60 million target by more than 22 million – an increase of 41% on last year’s figure.

“This is a tremendous amount and we are delighted with everybody’s efforts this year. Not only will less waste end up in landfill, but this will help us protect our native woodlands for future generations to enjoy.”

Ray Georgeson, director of policy and evaluation at WRAPsaid: “Over the last two years the Christmas card recycling scheme has gone from strength to strength which shows how more and more people are understanding the importance of recycling.

“Recycle Now’s partnership with the Woodland Trust is the first of several high profile recycling initiatives we will undertake this year, including Compost Awareness Week, Real Nappy Week and the Big Recycle.

“The aim is to encourage people to recycle more things more often and highlight how easy it is to do.”

The cards collection and recycling was supported by Nottinghamshire County Council which co-ordinates the involvement of local authorities backing the campaign while the recycling and collection itself was carried out by SCA Recycling and Severnside Recycling.

TV personality Gail Porter, who launched the recycling campaign in January, announced the result at the Ideal Home Show today this Tuesday.

“I am really proud to be part of a campaign that is so successful,” she said.

“Being a keen recycler myself, I am aware of the need for us all to start recycling more and this is a great way to start.”

by Sam Bond