A campaign that offers residents in County Durham the chance to win a cash prize for recycling has been extended.
The North East Recycling Rewards Scheme, which encourages people to recycle their aerosols, glass jars and food and drink cartons, has received further funding from DEFRA.
The initiative, run by Waste Aware North East in partnership with Valpak limited, SIG Combibloc and five North East councils including Durham County Council, invites people to take part in a monthly prize draw.
Residents who register are sent stickers which they can apply to aerosols, glass jars and food and drink cartons. A winner is then drawn at random from stickered items found at recycling plants in the county and receives a £250 prize.
More than 5,500 people took part in the initiative in 2011 and it is hoped this number will further increase as the new scheme targets more householders as well as schools across the county.
Cllr Bob Young, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for strategic environment, said: “County Durham residents are already doing an excellent job of recycling.
“Since the introduction of the new system of alternate weekly collections, we have seen recycling increase and are hoping that this year we will exceed our target of recycling 45 per cent of all household waste.
“This scheme is a fantastic way of rewarding people who do recycle and encouraging those who don’t to make a start.”
Sue McClellan, of Waste Aware North East, said: “The support for our regional campaign will help us engage with more residents across the North East, reminding them that they can recycle glass jars, food and drink cartons and aerosols, as well as making people aware of the environmental impact of the actions.”
To register for the scheme, visit www.recycle-more.co.uk/nerewards or call 0844 844 4546.
For further information about recycling, email Durham County Council’s strategic waste management team at [email protected] or visit www.durham.gov.uk/recycling