|
|
Long tailbacks for free recycling
22.03.10
THERE were long traffic
tailbacks in Carndonagh on Saturday as hundreds of
people flocked to the town for free recycling.
The town's Civic Amenity Site was free to recycle
plastics, paper and cardboard that day for the first
time in over a year.
The free day was part of a countywide 'thank you'
from Donegal County Council to citizens who take the
trouble and expense to recycle their waste
throughout the year.
But the hundreds of cars that showed up in
Carndonagh from 8.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday only
serves to highlight the vital need for permanently
free recycling, say local campaigners.
Citizens Against Recycling Charges (CARC) were on
hand from early in the day to distribute leaflets
and take a tally of the numbers who patiently waited
in line. CARC said more than 600 vehicles passed
through the site in the eight-hour opening period. |
 |
Boosted by the bright
Spring sunshine, visitors to the centre were stunned
at the huge numbers who turned up to recycle while
it was the main topic of conversation in local cafes
and shops which got a surprise trade spike from the
day.
CARC spokesperson Charlie Williams said: "Inishowen
citizens showed, with their huge presence, the
demand for and necessity of a free recycling
facility. More than 600 vehicles appeared at the
Carndonagh Recycling Centre on the day."
He paid tribute to the efficiency and friendliness
of the Civic Amenity Centre staff.
"Despite the fact that at least 15 times the amount
of people that would normally turn up on a Saturday
were visiting our recycling centre, it was amazing
to see how well this all was managed by the Council
workers.
"Even when the cars were queuing back to Station
Road nobody had to wait longer than 15 minutes. Well
done," he added.
According to CARC, the recycling rate in Co Donegal
halved from 31% to its current 15% since the
introduction of charges in May 2009. The
Government's target is 75% by 2013. Meanwhile, the
group says the county's amenity sites are now
"almost abandoned".
"Fly-tipping and back yard fires have increased
since and more waste is ending up in landfill or
anywhere else in our environment.
"Removing garbage from the countryside costs the
County Council at least €1,000 per metric tonne.
Hundreds of new tonnes have already been spotted and
tourists are not coming back," added Charlie. |
|
