Blue Box Recycling Scheme
The blue box recycling service is available to all residents in the Redruth area and is provided by Cornwall Council. Street collections are split over more than one day (see link below for details). Please ensure that your box and bag are placed at the kerbside by 7am on the morning of collection, in the same place that you would leave your rubbish for collection.
In addition, households are issued with a blue reusable woven sack, which is for cans and plastic bottles, any colour or type, washed and squashed (no lids), this does not currently include any other types of plastic such as yoghurt pots, margarine tubs, plastic packaging or glass items. Clean foil, rinsed drink cans and empty areosol cans with lids removed please.
Paper (including newspapers & magazines) and glass are collected in the blue plastic box, not sheet glass, mirrors, drinking glasses, china, spectacles, light bulbs, pyrex or broken glass of any type. Textiles are also included such as reusable shoes, clothing, towels, sheets (no duvets) but please place them in a watertight bag. Please place flattened cardboard boxes separate from paper, including packets and brown envelopes, tie into a bundle and place it beside the blue box or place under the blue bag.
Cornwall Council - Environment Service: Tel: 0300 1234 100
http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=2921
Direct Services Depot, 2A Forth Kegyn,
Energy Efficiency
Most households can save a substantial amount on fuel bills by using energy in an efficient way. Please see below some useful tips in saving energy in and around your home. Also included below are links to a few useful websites which may be of benefit to you.
LIGHTING:
- Use long life energy saving electric bulbs: they last 10x longer and depending on usage can save £5.00 to £10.00 per year each. Turn off any lights when not in use.
lyco.co.uk/calculator.php
http://www.energysaving.co.uk/usefullinks_inthehome.htm
HEATING:
- Combination boilers are the best for smaller homes and have your boiler serviced annually.
- By fitting a condensing boiler with heating controls you could make a savings of £190.00 to £230.00 per year, using 30-40% less fuel.
- Keep the hot water thermostat at 60 degrees C or 140 degrees F, as boilers contribute to 60% of carbon dioxide emissions.
- Set your room temperature to between 18 to 21 degrees C, as reducing the temperature by one degree can save £40.00 per year.
- Insulating your hot water tank with a 'kite mark' insulating jacket will save £20.00 and pay for itself over the year.
- With the heating system switched off, bleed air from radiator slowly as this lets the water circulate throughout the whole radiator.
- Insulating hot water pipes can save £10.00 per year, don't forget to shut curtains to retain heat.
- If your hot water boiler is over 15 years old it may need replacing.
- Consider double-glazing or less expensive secondary glasing or polythene sheeting.
- Consider 10" loft and cavity wall insulation, as grants are now available.
FOOD PRODUCTS:
- Compost your vegetables peelings.
- Buying local produce will reduce the need for excess packaging, transport costs and supports your local community.
RECYCLING:
- Christmas trees can be recycled at your local recycling centre.
- Check out dates for rubbish collections.
- Bags for life - keep them next to the front door so not to forget.
- Recycle Christmas cards, or make gift tags for next Christmas by cutting out the picture.
- Ribbons and bows can be used on birthday presents throughout the year.
SAVING WATER:
- A 10-minute shower uses 35 litres of water compared to 80 litres for a bath.
- Hippo water savers reduce water usage by 30%, phone 01989-766667.
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT:
- Choose an 'A' rating energy saving label on all appliances.
- Turn off televisions, DVD players, computers and monitors & speakers - do not leave them on standby.
- Remove phone chargers after use, including appliances such as hair straighteners from the electric wall socket.
- Wait until you have a full load wash in your washing machine and wash at 30 degrees C.
- When using a kettle, only boil the amount of water you need.
- Close curtains at dusk to save heat escaping through windows.
VEHICLES:
- Car pools!
- Idling your engine uses excessive amounts of fuel so switch your engine off whenever possible.
- Avoid high speeds - at 85mph you consume around 25% more fuel than driving at 70mph.
- Air conditioning uses fuel - use sparingly.
- Remove luggage rack when not required.
- Service your car regularly and maintain the correct tyre pressure.
- A smaller car will save money on fuel and cost less money in car tax.