This initiative aims to encourage County Durham residents to embrace recycling and elevate the quality of plastics packaging recycled in the region through household collections.

Videos have been developed to demonstrate the journey of plastics packaging and its recycling processes within the region.  By educating residents on the recycling process, the initiative seeks to enhance awareness about the significance of recycling instructions and the positive impact individuals can have on the environment through sustained recycling behaviours.

The team have attended a variety of events as part of the project including engagements with local leaders, schools, as well as high profile community events. The project aims to provide information on what plastics are recycled and how on a regional level.  Citizen confusion is alleviated through simple, concise, and accurate communications with a focus on the recycling questions most frequently asked to the Pledge2Recycle Plastics.  

A new website was created by Pledge2Recycle Plastics for the project (www.durhamrecycles.co.uk) which aligns with the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle waste hierarchy model, emphasising the importance of reducing waste generation, reusing materials where possible, and recycling plastics to promote a circular economy. Through their efforts, County Durham residents will be empowered to make informed choices that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.