Cheltenham Residents Encouraged to Recycle More to Support Local Foodbanks

· Nearly 8k food items donated to local food banks since scheme started in March 2023

· Last year Cheltenham recycled 50.8% of all waste produced in the borough

Cheltenham’s recycling efforts have resulted in nearly 8k food items being donated to foodbanks across Cheltenham by Plan B Management Solutions, the council’s recycling re-sale partner, to support those most in need.

For every percentage of waste recycled, Plan B Management Solutions donates an equivalent number of food items to support local foodbanks. Last year, Cheltenham residents recycled 50.8% of all waste produced in the borough.

The initiative supports the council’s ambition to increase its recycling rate and reduce food waste.

Cllr Izaac Tailford, cabinet member for waste, recycling and public realm, said: “I would like to thank residents for their continued recycling efforts and encourage them to keep going because I believe we can do even better. Recycling at kerbside is an easy way for each of us to help those in need.

“It’s simple, the more we recycle, the more food items are donated to Cheltenham’s foodbanks.”

Cllr Iain Dobie, cabinet member for climate emergency, said: “It’s great to see how this recycling initiative is making a difference for both the environment and our community. Anything we can do to increase our recycling rate and reduce food and general waste is important in supporting our climate change ambitions as a council while supporting those in need.”

Maz Akhtar, managing director at Plan B Management Solutions, said: “We are pleased to be working with Cheltenham Borough Council and continuing our ongoing commitment to support the local communities within the areas we operate.”

For tips on alternative ways you can repair, reuse, recycle or to find out what household items we can pick up from kerbside, visit the council’s website.