Veolia Haringey has been spreading the word about the Government’s new 5p charge on single-use plastic bags by large retailers by giving away reusable bags to Haringey residents and its own staff.
Residents and staff were asked to exchange five plastic bags in order to receive a reusable bag. The initiative took place at both Veolia Haringey’s Education Centre, situated within the Western Road Reuse & Recycling Centre in Wood Green, and at Veolia’s depot in Ashley Road, Tottenham.
250 plastic bags were exchanged with 50 reusable bags handed out. All the plastic bags collected are being sent to the North London Waste Authority for use in an art installation they have commissioned, before being recycled.
Paul Peters, Veolia’s Senior Contracts Manager in Haringey, said: “Not only do we support initiatives that can minimise waste, we are also keen to offer an opportunity for Haringey residents and our own staff to not be adversely affected by the introduction of this new legislation. A five pence per bag charge doesn’t seem like a lot, but in these testing times we’re aware it can quickly add up, so we are pleased to ease any additional financial burden on residents and staff by supplying these reusable bags free of charge.”
