Banking on a Cleaner Rhyl

Denbighshire County Council has taken the first step towards its aim to become one of the highest recycling authorities in Wales with the delivery of the very latest urban recycling banks in Rhyl.

The council hopes the move will help tackle the increasing number of glass bottles which are left to litter the seaside town's streets and promenade area, especially in the tourist season.

The four bay recycling units, which are for recycling paper and glass, have been installed on the town's prominent Western Parade and the council hopes its smart designer look will not only encourage people to recycle more, but also persuade local communities to install additional recycling units elsewhere.

The rescapeT banks have been pioneered by the UK's leading recycling Producer Responsibility scheme, Valpak, together with SMF International Ltd, which designs, manufactures and installs advertising street furniture and Taylor, the leading manufacturer and supplier of products for the waste management and recycling sectors.

Councillor Eryl Williams, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment at Denbighshire County Council said: "We believe the rescapeT banks really make a statement and we are sure their chic design will encourage people to recycle more. As well as being attractive to look at, they are easy for the public to use and safe and practical for collectors."

A second bay of rescapeT banks has been installed at Aldi supermarket in Wellington Road in Rhyl where James Barker, Area Manager for North Wales is all too aware of their responsibility to encourage recycling. He said: "We are pleased to be playing our part in helping Denbighshire towards its recycling targets.

"These banks are very customer friendly and we hope that by using them it will help to change people's view of recycling."

Historically, recycling banks have had an image of being scruffy and unappealing. By designing them to be more inviting for the public to use, it is hoped that recycling rates will increase. Denbighshire County Council realises it has some way to go towards increasing recycling rates throughout its region, but is confident this is a positive start.