The Leader of Hampshire County Council will speak of the national need to find more markets for recycled materials when he speaks at the second Project Integra Beacon Council open day.

Councillor Ken Thornber will tell delegates from across the country that while increasing the amount of waste that is recycled is a key focus, it is equally important to ensure there are markets to make use of these materials.

He said: "Project Integra, in which Hampshire County Council is a partner, can justly be proud of the success of its large-scale recycling network. Around a quarter of the 800,000 tonnes of waste we produce every year in Hampshire is recycled, and Integra’s aim is to increase this to 40%.

"To move even further forward, it is paramount that councils across the country play their part in finding viable markets for these recycled goods. This must be one of the next steps in our quest to conserve resources for future generations.

"If the UK meets government targets by 2003, there will be thousands of tonnes of recyclable material needing a market. We must find a suitable way to use it if we want to avoid shipping it abroad or resorting to landfill."

The County Council is playing its part, using 365,000 reams of fully or partially recycled A4 paper each year, along with 20,000 cases of recycled hand towels.

Many other materials can be recycled once they have fulfilled their original use. For example, glass bottles can be used to make tiles, water filters and asphalt. Consumers also have a vital role to play by purchasing recycled products whenever possible.

All Beacon Councils hold regular open days to share best practice with other local authorities. Project Integra’s open day will be held at the Harlington Centre, Fleet, on 18 October.

Bob Lisney, Director of Project Integra and Head of Management Resources, Environment Grouping, at the County Council, will follow Cllr Thornber with a presentation on local authority perspectives.

Project Integra’s third Beacon Council open day will be held on 7 March 2001 at Winchester Guildhall.

Project Integra is the county’s integrated waste management strategy, in partnership with the County Council, 11 district councils, two unitary authorities and private waste contractor, Hampshire Waste Services.

17 October 2000                             B693 (g)

Note to editors: All Project Integra press releases are available in the News section of our web site, www.integra.org.uk

For further information, contact Sarette Martin, Press Officer  at Hampshire County Council on 01962 847666.

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