Council hits 100,000 tonnes collection target for garden waste

A whopping 100,000 tonnes of garden waste has been collected from Selby District residents since collections started in 2001!

That’s equivalent to 1.25million people – twice the population of Leeds or the same number of people who live in Birmingham!

Initially trialled with 2,200 households, the garden waste service proved successful and has since expanded to cover over 31,500 households throughout the district.

Fortnightly collections of green bins, unwanted cuttings, leaves and hedge trimmings are transformed into a valuable agricultural resource. Local farms and businesses benefit from high grade compost for example which is used as a natural soil conditioner.

In addition, since waste is reused near to where it is collected, transport mileage is greatly reduced. Recycling also avoids the expense and effects of using landfill so keeps costs down for everyone.   Since Selby is a rural district, there is plenty of opportunity for waste to be made the most of.

Julie Slatter, Director of Corporate Services and Commissioning at Selby District Council said "It is wonderful that the green waste collection has been so successful and to hit the milestone of 100,000 tonnes collected during the Don’t be a Waster campaign’s focus on green waste is tremendous.

“I’d like to thank our residents for supporting the scheme and making a real difference to our local environment,”

Find out more about waste collection services including what you can put in your green bin. 

What else is 100,000 tonnes equivalent to:

55,000 family saloon cars

9 Eiffel Towers

150 Christ the Redeemer statues

850 Blue Whales