News & Media > Environmental Services
20:09:2010
Environment minister visits Bridgwater recycling depot
Lord Henley met with partnership representatives, including Nicola Peake, managing director May Gurney Environmental Services, at the Somerset Waste Partnership headquarters in Taunton before being taken on a tour of the Colley Lane recycling depot in Bridgwater.
He learnt about the partnership between county and district councils and May Gurney, which delivers recycling and waste services for nearly 240,000 homes and 500,000 people.
Lord Henley was also told the single contract for collection, recycling and disposal has already saved taxpayers in Somerset nearly £5m in three years.
The county's recycling rate has soared to around 50%, one of the highest in England, and is on target to hit 60% thanks to growing roadside collections.
He discovered how recycling-conscious Somerset residents have produced nearly 125,000 tonnes of materials, of which 92% is processed in the UK.
Lord Henley was also briefed on a groundbreaking link with Marks and Spencer which helps keep packaging away from landfill.
After the visit, Lord Henley said: “We aim to be the greenest of governments so I've been impressed by the plans of Somerset Waste Partnership to reduce costs, save resources and cut carbon emissions.”
Click here to read the full ‘This is the West Country' news report.
Click here to read more about May Gurney's work as part of the Somerset Waste Partnership.
